GCSE English Language only

There is English Language GCSE (language only, no literature at all) , and there is GCSE English (combined language and literature in one, they have to do 4 controlled assessments including Shakespeare, there will be the latter and another literature text in the exam).

If you DS struggles with literature, English Language is the way to go - you really cut the losses and focus on one good grade to English. Indeed it is very important to have a good grade in English for future employment prospects. Having both language and literature just continues the misery. Literature is a distraction that could bring his combined grade down.

The schools are obliged by law to teach literature, but DC are not obliged to sit the lit exam. So whatever anyone say, if you decide to drop literature, just drop it completely and do English Language.

What was his English NC level at the end of y9?

At DD1's school a set amount of time is timetabled for English in y10 and y11. As far as I understand it, those that are struggling with English (language) concentrate on that and do GCSE English only. Those that can manage do both English Language and English Literature. As there is overlap between combined English and the separate Lang& Lit, the school only makes the decision some time in y10 (not sure when).

They may be concerned/panicing that passing English seems to be getting harder so someone previously on target to get a C may now only get a D.

imo It would be better to get a passing C in one English GCSE than 2 Ds. May even be better to get one B over and above 2 Cs.

I will have this to come as my DD is entering y10 in Sept and has struggled to make progress in English in secondary, though her final level seems OK.

We went through this with DS, but it was I who demanded to drop Literature against school's opposition. In our case DS has special needs. I don't know your circumstances, but for some DC Literature can be a hopeless battle that drains self esteem and derails other subjects. I would only insist on it if it were the strength of DS, which it was not.

I asked questions here and talked to the exam board.

The conclusion generally was

• Literature GCSE is not compulsory - the contrary is a myth.
• You can drop literature. English language GCSE would stand valid on its own whatever anyone says.

What do they replace Literature with? If it saves time, pain and misery and your DS can do something he enjoys more, and can get better grades, why not take it? Only you can judge obviously.