The CCEA GCSE English Language specification encourages students to explore and respond, both imaginatively and critically, to a variety of texts.

Students use reading to improve their writing and spoken language skills. They also enhance their understanding of how language variations relate to identity and cultural diversity.

This specification develops key transferable skills, such as selecting and adapting speech and writing to suit different situations and audiences.

The specification provides a sound basis for progression to further study, higher education or employment.

This qualification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills developed through the Language and Literacy Area of Learning.

This specification is unitised, so it’s possible to take part of the assessment before the end of the course.

The specification has four units:

• Unit 1: Writing for Purpose and Audience and Reading to Access Non-fiction and Media Texts
• Unit 2: Speaking and Listening
• Unit 3: Studying Spoken and Written Language
• Unit 4: Personal or Creative Writing and Reading Literary and Non-fiction Texts.