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About AQA GCSE English Language
AQA GCSE English Language is code 8700, a linear qualification normally taught over two years with all the assessments at the end. It has two written papers. Paper 1 is Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing, and Paper 2 is Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives. Each lasts 1 hour 45 minutes, is worth 80 marks and carries 50% of the GCSE, and AQA scales them to a total scaled mark of 160. All the texts in both papers are unseen, so there is nothing to memorise and no set text to revise.
There is a third assessment, and families often miss it. AQA requires every student to complete a Spoken Language endorsement: a prepared presentation, assessed on presenting, responding to questions and using Standard English. It is worth no marks towards the GCSE, but it appears on the certificate as a separate grade of Pass, Merit, Distinction or Not Classified, and AQA states that students must offer all three assessments to be awarded the qualification.
The most useful thing to understand is that the two papers do not test the same reading skills. Paper 1 assesses evaluation, and only Paper 1 does. Paper 2 assesses comparison across two texts, and only Paper 2 does. Students who revise reading as one skill end up preparing the wrong thing for one of the papers. Then there is technical accuracy: AQA states that accurate spelling and punctuation must make up 20% of the marks for the specification as a whole. We work from real past papers, and you can see how our other AQA pages work.
Who AQA GCSE English Language Is For
This course suits students sitting AQA GCSE English Language 8700 who need the two papers taught as AQA actually sets them, including the one that is easy to under-prepare.
- Year 10 and Year 11 students sitting AQA GCSE English Language 8700 this year
- Students who cannot see where the marks go in the longer reading questions
- Students whose ideas are strong but whose writing loses marks on spelling, punctuation and grammar
- Students who have not yet done their Spoken Language presentation, or are anxious about it
- Resit students and private candidates, who must be based in the UK to enter
AQA GCSE English Language: The Board We Cover
AQA is the board this page covers. Every fact here comes from AQA's own 8700 specification.
AQA
AQA's GCSE English Language is code 8700, and it has three assessments rather than two. Papers 1 and 2 each last 1 hour 45 minutes, are worth 80 marks and carry half the GCSE, and both use unseen texts. The third is a Spoken Language endorsement, reported separately as Pass, Merit, Distinction or Not Classified and worth no marks towards the grade. Entry is a single code, 8700.
How Centaurus Helps AQA GCSE English Language Students Excel
Two Papers, Two Different Skills
Evaluation is assessed on Paper 1 and comparison on Paper 2, so we teach them as separate skills rather than as one general reading ability.
Technical Accuracy Treated as 20%
Accurate spelling and punctuation must make up a fifth of the specification according to AQA, so it is marked every week rather than left to chance.
Writing for a Specified Audience
Paper 1 offers a choice of stimulus and Paper 2 sets a single task, so students learn to adapt to whatever audience, purpose and form the paper demands.
The Spoken Language Endorsement, Planned Early
The presentation is prepared and rehearsed, because AQA warns that lack of preparation is likely to prevent access to the criteria for the higher grades.
Classes in Your Local Time
Live group sessions scheduled around your time zone, so no late nights or early mornings just to make a class.
24/7 Progress Reporting
Families get access to the Centaurus Academy LMS, with attendance, progress and lesson notes available to parents, students and teachers at any time.
Why Centaurus Stands Out
Choosing the right AQA GCSE English Language support makes a real difference. Here is how Centaurus Academy compares with typical online providers.
Meet our Team Of Experts
Our expert tutors bring deep subject knowledge and a passion for teaching — helping every student reach their full potential.
What Parents Say About Us
Hear from the parents and students who have experienced our personalised teaching first-hand.
Excellent long-term experience
We have an excellent long-term experience with the academy and Sir Awais. Our three children studied with them during different periods and succeeded well. We highly recommend the academy.
Excellent academy
Centaurus Academy is truly one of the best educational institutions I've come across. The environment is nurturing, the staff are incredibly dedicated, and the quality of education is outstanding. They focus not only on academic excellence but also on character building and personal growth. The teachers are supportive and go the extra mile to ensure every student feels confident and motivated.
My child has gained confidence
I'm very satisfied with the dedication and teaching approach. My child has gained confidence and improved significantly in understanding math concepts, thanks to the teacher's clear explanations and supportive guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About AQA GCSE English Language
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