With various providers offering GCSE English Language qualifications, it’s easy to get lost in all the noise – or stick with the status quo, using your current provider because you’re already familiar with their assessments.
But what if we told you there’s a better way? Making the switch to Eduqas offers teachers and learners an accessible and engaging GCSE English Language qualification, designed with learners in mind.
Eduqas’ GCSE English Language specification was created to give both first time and resit learners the opportunity to demonstrate their reading, comprehension, and communication skills through clear, logically-structured questions.
As well as providing greater flexibility for learners, Eduqas also offers lots of help for teachers, including expert-led training opportunities, and access to free high-quality teaching resources. Plus, we’re here to offer specialist subject support every step of the way.
“As an experienced English teacher, I have used all the main examination boards and have never received the kind of support that the Eduqas team have offered.”
-- Kate Williams, Lead in English, Calday Grange Grammar School
What are the main differences between GCSE English Language exam boards?
At Eduqas, we have a slightly different approach to assessment and support compared to other GCSE English Language Exam boards. Our specifications are tailored to offer optimal clarity and accessibility.
Unlike some other providers, our papers aren’t equally weighted, giving more emphasis on Paper 2 Non-Fiction (60%). This is a reflection of our efforts to encourage the development of essential 'real-world' reading and writing skills, which will be vital for learners in the future.
By setting our non-fiction writing tasks in relatable, realistic contexts, we’re aiming to make the assessment engaging for every student (including those who are resitting).
With two transactional writing tasks rather than one long task, the Eduqas GCSE English Language qualification also aims to showcase a wider range of skills among learners.
And, with a choice of four narrative writing titles on Paper 1 – the biggest selection among exam boards – we’re giving everyone flexibility to pick the topics best suited to their strengths.
Eduqas vs Other GCSE English Language Exam Boards
How does Eduqas support teachers?
Our GCSE English Language qualification was created with teachers in mind too. We aimed to design an assessment that is straightforward to prepare for, with clear and accessible action points.
We also offer a comprehensive support package for teachers. We have subject support teams for all our qualifications, whom you can easily reach on the phone or via email.
Plus, our Regional Support Team is on hand to provide both online and in-person support, depending on your needs. Our professional learning programme, meanwhile, features free online exam feedback sessions, where you have the chance to go over marked scripts and Principal Examiner reports after your learners have sat the assessment. Or, if you’re looking to level up your teaching with some expert guidance, you can take advantage of the paid face- to-face training opportunities we offer.
As you work your way through our specifications with your learners, you can take advantage of our expert-led online teaching resources, including:
Which exam board is best for GCSE English Language?
Only you can decide which specification is best for you and your learners, but with our comprehensive range of free teaching resources and accessible approach, we believe our GCSE English Language specification is a perfect fit for both resit and first-time learners.
We have writing components designed to encourage learners to develop real-life skills, with the widest range of narrative choices to pick from compared to all other exam boards.
Plus, our long tariff questions are each worth the same number of marks, allowing learners to better manage their time during the exam and approach each question strategically.
If you’re ready to make the move, download Eduqas GCSE English Language specifications for more detailed information on our qualification or register your interest in teaching with Eduqas.