There is a practical component (speaking) as an optional part of IGCSE or GCSE English Language for Cambridge IGCSE English: First Language (0500), AQA GCSE English Language (8700), Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Language A (9-1) (4EA1) and Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Language B (9-1) (4EB1). As not all centres are able to accommodate private candidates for the practical components, or non-examined assessments (NEA), it is up to the private candidate to check with the Registered Examination Centre about access. Additionally, it is not necessary to complete the practical speaking component of the English Language, as private candidates can sit the written examination components to attain the IGCSE or GCSE. Look at the Pearson Edexcel specifications carefully, as specification A and B are very different (with Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Language Specification B (9-1) (4EB1) more similar to the AQA and CAIE courses.
Each examination board uses a syllabus or specification to clearly state, among other things, the subject course content and methods of final assessments. Additionally, each examination board will give suggested textbooks and other resources, some of which are endorsed (that is, they carefully follow the specific syllabus or specification). Teachers and students can choose the best resources to facilitate learning. You don't need all the suggested resources, but it is useful to have one or two textbooks as a scaffold, alongside the syllabus or specification and online resources as needed.
I have tutored students in Cambridge IGCSE English: First Language for many years, so I am familiar with the syllabus content, varied teaching and learning strategies for individual students, and preparation for assessments (examinations). CAIE examinations were easier for my four home educated children to access, and I have been teaching or tutoring CAIE examination subjects in school or online since 2007.
I will pass on what I have used, at one time or another, to teach Cambridge IGCSE English: First Language (0500). I will also give suggested resources for anyone interested in accessing GCSE English Language offered by Pearson Edexcel and AQA exam boards.
Each examination board uses a syllabus or specification to clearly state, among other things, the subject course content and methods of final assessments. Additionally, each examination board will give suggested textbooks and other resources, some of which are endorsed (that is, they carefully follow the specific syllabus or specification). Teachers and students can choose the best resources to facilitate learning. You don't need all the suggested resources, but it is useful to have one or two textbooks as a scaffold, alongside the syllabus or specification and online resources as needed.
I have tutored students in Cambridge IGCSE English: First Language for many years, so I am familiar with the syllabus content, varied teaching and learning strategies for individual students, and preparation for assessments (examinations). CAIE examinations were easier for my four home educated children to access, and I have been teaching or tutoring CAIE examination subjects in school or online since 2007.
I will pass on what I have used, at one time or another, to teach Cambridge IGCSE English: First Language (0500). I will also give suggested resources for anyone interested in accessing GCSE English Language offered by Pearson Edexcel and AQA exam boards.
Syllabuses and specifications
To have the most success in final assessments (exams), read the syllabus or specification carefully. Consider this as the rule book, as it gives clear details about the subject.
Here are the links for the IGCSE and GCSE courses at AQA, CAIE, and Pearson Edexcel:
Here are the links for the IGCSE and GCSE courses at AQA, CAIE, and Pearson Edexcel:
AQA GCSE English Language (8700)
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/gcse/english-language-8700
Cambridge IGCSE English: First Language (0500)
https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-igcse-english-first-language-0500/
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Language A (9-1) (4EA1)
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-international-gcses/international-gcse-english-language-a-2016.html
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Language B (9-1) (4EB1)
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-international-gcses/international-gcse-english-language-b-2016.html
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/gcse/english-language-8700
Cambridge IGCSE English: First Language (0500)
https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-igcse-english-first-language-0500/
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Language A (9-1) (4EA1)
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-international-gcses/international-gcse-english-language-a-2016.html
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Language B (9-1) (4EB1)
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-international-gcses/international-gcse-english-language-b-2016.html
Past paper practice
One of the best ways to understand how well you will do in the final assessments is to complete some past papers, mark them, and reflect on your strengths and challenges. Then repeat the process. Strong IGCSE and GCSE knowledge and skills are built through practice, so you should make sure to get support from teachers, tutors, or mentors as necessary. In the meantime, visit the examination board's website and look for past papers, the mark schemes (answer keys or rubrics) and the examiners' reports. All these documents will be helpful in honing your skills in this subject.
Suggested textbooks
The endorsed textbooks are closely aligned to exam board courses and will be the best resource to use as a scaffold for learning. Each examination board also suggests other textbooks and resources for each subject course. The choice of books for teaching and learning is yours, but I have always relied on one or two endorsed textbooks, and then used other resources to supplement my own learning and teaching.
Here are some useful suggested textbooks for IGCSE and GCSE courses, with the ISBN to help search for the resources more effectively. Remember: you do not need all the resources, so take the time to find the best texts for you.
Here are some useful suggested textbooks for IGCSE and GCSE courses:
Here are some useful suggested textbooks for IGCSE and GCSE courses, with the ISBN to help search for the resources more effectively. Remember: you do not need all the resources, so take the time to find the best texts for you.
Here are some useful suggested textbooks for IGCSE and GCSE courses:
AQA English Language (8700)
- Pilgrim, I. (Ed) et al. (2015) GCSE English Language for AQA Progress: Student Book. ISBN: 9781107453135 [Endorsed]
- Pilgrim, I. (Ed) et al. (2015) GCSE English Language for AQA Progress Plus: Student Book. ISBN: 9781107452978 [Endorsed]
- Backhouse, H. & Emm, B. (2015) AQA GCSE English Language: Developing the Skills for Language and Assessment: Student Book 1. (2015) ISBN: 9780198340744 [Endorsed]
Cambridge IGCSE English: First Language (0500)
- Rees-Bidder, H (2017) Approaches to learning and teach First Language English: a toolkit for international teachers. ISBN: 9781108406888 [Endorsed]
- Brindle, K. et al. (2018) Cambridge IGCSE English: Student's Book, 3rd Edition. ISBN: 978000826006 [Endorsed]
- Cox, M. (2018) Cambridge IGCSE First Language English: Coursebook, 5th Edition. ISBN: 9781108438889 [Endorsed]
- Reynoylds, J. (2018) Cambridge IGCSE First language English, 4th Edition. ISBN: 9781510421318 [Endorsed]
- Burchell, J. (2018) Letts Cambridge IGCSE English: Revision Guide. ISBN: 9780008210366 [Endorsed]
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Language A (9-1) (4EA1)
- Addison, R. et al. (2017) Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9 - 1) English Language A: Student Book, 2nd Edition. ISBN: 9789435182564 [Endorsed]
- Addison, R. et al. (2017) Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) English Language A: Online Teacher Resource Pack ISBN: 9780435188962 [Endorsed]
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Language B (9-1) (4EB1)
- Addison, R. et al. (2017) Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9 - 1) English Language B: Student Book, 2nd Edition. ISBN: 9780435182571 [Endorsed]
- Addison, R. et al. (2017) Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) English Language B: Online Teacher Resource Pack. ISBN: 9780435188979 [Endorsed]
Useful websites for IGCSE and GCSE English Language
Using an endorsed textbook alongside the syllabus or specification is always my first strategy in teaching or tutoring IGCSEs or GCSEs. Then I look through the online resources to supplement and complement what is being learnt, and I am constantly researching new resources.
There are many useful resources here, so take your time to look through them:
There are many useful resources here, so take your time to look through them:
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/
Aimed at students, this free site has plenty of grammar and language exercises.
http://www.englishplus.com/grammar/
Aimed at students, or it can be modified by teachers, this free site explains the rules of English grammar and usage.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree
There are plenty of examples of argumentative and discursive writing to view on this newspaper’s website. It can be used by students to get a flavour of how to argue or discuss a topic logically and coherently.
www.wrx.zen.co.uk
Here is a portal site for all the British newspaper' online editions. It can be interesting to see if the same news story is presented in different ways across different publications.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english/
This website is aimed at GCSE students, and it has many useful exercises and activities to work through on your own, or as part of revision.
http://www.gcse.com/english/
Another site that can easily be accessed and understood by students, this GCSE website can help consolidate knowledge or can be used for revision purposes for technical aspects of English Language.
http://www.englishbiz.co.uk/
This GCSE and A Level site is worth looking at by students, and is full of information that can be used for specific purposes such as tips on how to write effectively to revision for the exams.
http://www.virtualsalt.com/rhetoric.htm
This is a useful resource for students and teachers to define literary vocabulary.
http://www.virtualsalt.com/litterms.htm
This is similar to the reference resource above, with hundreds of literary terms defined, with examples.
http://www.explorewriting.co.uk/
This site has been written by professional writers, and can be a very useful site for the ablest students, or to supplement teachers’ notes.
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/
This online writing lab from Purdue University has a wealth of resources for the writing process, subject-specific writing, and English as a second language, etc. There are also specific exercises for students.
http://www.webenglishteacher.com/
This American resource is filled with study guides, professional resources for teachers, or suggestions for student reading – it is well worth a visit.
www.geoffbarton.co.uk
The teacher, Geoff Barton, has provided free resources for teachers and worksheets for IGCSE and A Level students. The site can be used for teachers’ notes or can be assessed by the students, especially for revision purposes.
http://www.universalteacher.org.uk/
This site of Andrew Moore’s is very comprehensive for English Language and Literature. It is not specifically aimed at the CAIE syllabus, but it is a useful reference site for teachers and students.
www.grammarbook.com
I really enjoy going back to this valuable resource. If you are ever unsure about a particular grammar point, check this resource out. It is useful for both teachers and students.
http://www.writtensound.com/index.php
This is an onomatopoeia dictionary, and is easy to dip into. Who knew that potato-potato-potato was the sound of a failing motorcycle engine?
http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/
If you are a teacher trying to find worksheets to explain a particular language concept, Mr. Morton has created plenty of free material. Have a look for specific content before delving in, as this is not an IGCSE website (but still worth a look).
http://www.yourdictionary.com/
Whenever I am working on a document, I will have this tab open so that I can check the spelling, meaning and synonyms of a word. The only excuse for spelling mistakes in typed documents is human error or ineptitude. (I also use the search 'define' followed by the word in search engines).
http://www.esldesk.com/
This is a website for students of English as a second language - so it is written to be easily understood and to cover almost all the idiosyncrasies of the English Language! If in any doubt about conjunctions, for example, this may be a helpful website.
www.learnamericanenglishonline.com/index.html
Sometimes you can just get stuck on a word and you don't know how to use it. This cheerful resource can be used by students who want to check usage of a word or phrase.
http://public.wsu.edu/~brians/errors/errors.html
Common Errors in English Usage - what a great site. You can scroll down to the word that is causing you confusion and find the correct word.
Websites need to be checked often to make sure they are still relevant and the links are still active. All websites were checked and updated: April, 2021.
Aimed at students, this free site has plenty of grammar and language exercises.
http://www.englishplus.com/grammar/
Aimed at students, or it can be modified by teachers, this free site explains the rules of English grammar and usage.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree
There are plenty of examples of argumentative and discursive writing to view on this newspaper’s website. It can be used by students to get a flavour of how to argue or discuss a topic logically and coherently.
www.wrx.zen.co.uk
Here is a portal site for all the British newspaper' online editions. It can be interesting to see if the same news story is presented in different ways across different publications.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english/
This website is aimed at GCSE students, and it has many useful exercises and activities to work through on your own, or as part of revision.
http://www.gcse.com/english/
Another site that can easily be accessed and understood by students, this GCSE website can help consolidate knowledge or can be used for revision purposes for technical aspects of English Language.
http://www.englishbiz.co.uk/
This GCSE and A Level site is worth looking at by students, and is full of information that can be used for specific purposes such as tips on how to write effectively to revision for the exams.
http://www.virtualsalt.com/rhetoric.htm
This is a useful resource for students and teachers to define literary vocabulary.
http://www.virtualsalt.com/litterms.htm
This is similar to the reference resource above, with hundreds of literary terms defined, with examples.
http://www.explorewriting.co.uk/
This site has been written by professional writers, and can be a very useful site for the ablest students, or to supplement teachers’ notes.
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/
This online writing lab from Purdue University has a wealth of resources for the writing process, subject-specific writing, and English as a second language, etc. There are also specific exercises for students.
http://www.webenglishteacher.com/
This American resource is filled with study guides, professional resources for teachers, or suggestions for student reading – it is well worth a visit.
www.geoffbarton.co.uk
The teacher, Geoff Barton, has provided free resources for teachers and worksheets for IGCSE and A Level students. The site can be used for teachers’ notes or can be assessed by the students, especially for revision purposes.
http://www.universalteacher.org.uk/
This site of Andrew Moore’s is very comprehensive for English Language and Literature. It is not specifically aimed at the CAIE syllabus, but it is a useful reference site for teachers and students.
www.grammarbook.com
I really enjoy going back to this valuable resource. If you are ever unsure about a particular grammar point, check this resource out. It is useful for both teachers and students.
http://www.writtensound.com/index.php
This is an onomatopoeia dictionary, and is easy to dip into. Who knew that potato-potato-potato was the sound of a failing motorcycle engine?
http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/
If you are a teacher trying to find worksheets to explain a particular language concept, Mr. Morton has created plenty of free material. Have a look for specific content before delving in, as this is not an IGCSE website (but still worth a look).
http://www.yourdictionary.com/
Whenever I am working on a document, I will have this tab open so that I can check the spelling, meaning and synonyms of a word. The only excuse for spelling mistakes in typed documents is human error or ineptitude. (I also use the search 'define' followed by the word in search engines).
http://www.esldesk.com/
This is a website for students of English as a second language - so it is written to be easily understood and to cover almost all the idiosyncrasies of the English Language! If in any doubt about conjunctions, for example, this may be a helpful website.
www.learnamericanenglishonline.com/index.html
Sometimes you can just get stuck on a word and you don't know how to use it. This cheerful resource can be used by students who want to check usage of a word or phrase.
http://public.wsu.edu/~brians/errors/errors.html
Common Errors in English Usage - what a great site. You can scroll down to the word that is causing you confusion and find the correct word.
Websites need to be checked often to make sure they are still relevant and the links are still active. All websites were checked and updated: April, 2021.