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AQA Specification 8700

English Language GCSE

Scheme of Work

AQA GCSE English Language (8700) with SEND-adapted teaching strategies and therapeutic support. Covers Paper 1 (Creative Reading and Writing) and Paper 2 (Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives) plus the Spoken Language Endorsement.

Section 1

Intent, Implementation & Impact

Intent

  • Deliver a knowledge-rich curriculum adapted for SEND learners
  • Build confidence and independence through scaffolded learning
  • Ensure all learners access their full educational entitlement
  • Align with EHCP outcomes and Preparation for Adulthood pathways

Implementation

  • Differentiated resources and multi-sensory teaching approaches
  • Therapeutic integration within lessons to support regulation
  • Regular formative assessment to track progress against targets
  • Small group sizes with high staff-to-learner ratios

Impact

  • Measurable progress against EHCP outcomes each term
  • Accredited qualifications appropriate to learner ability
  • Improved confidence, resilience, and self-regulation
  • Readiness for next steps in education, training, or employment
Section 2

Curriculum Overview by Strand

Reading: Fiction

Employment
Identify and interpret explicit and implicit information from fiction texts
Analyse how writers use language and structure to achieve effects
Evaluate texts critically, supporting with textual references

Content: Fiction extracts, 19th century texts, unseen prose, language analysis (AO1, AO2, AO4)

Progression: From literal comprehension to critical analysis and evaluation

Real-World: Reading for meaning, critical thinking, interpreting creative texts

Reading: Non-Fiction

Independent Living
Summarise and synthesise information from non-fiction texts
Analyse how writers use language to influence readers
Compare writers' viewpoints and perspectives across two texts

Content: Non-fiction extracts, articles, speeches, letters, autobiography, travel writing (AO1, AO2, AO3)

Progression: From identifying information to evaluating and comparing viewpoints

Real-World: Understanding news, media literacy, evaluating arguments and bias

Writing: Creative

Health & Wellbeing
Communicate clearly, effectively and imaginatively in narrative and descriptive writing
Organise ideas using structural and grammatical features
Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures for conscious effect

Content: Descriptive writing, narrative writing, imagery, sensory detail, varied sentences (AO5, AO6)

Progression: From supported writing to independent, controlled creative composition

Real-World: Creative expression, storytelling, personal writing, imaginative thinking

Writing: Transactional

Employment
Write to argue, persuade, advise, inform and explain
Adapt tone, style and register for different purposes and audiences
Use rhetorical devices and structural techniques effectively

Content: Letters, articles, speeches, essays, leaflets, reviews (AO5, AO6)

Progression: From formulaic responses to persuasive, audience-aware communication

Real-World: CVs, applications, formal letters, emails, workplace communication

Section 3

Assessment Cycle

CONTINUOUSCYCLE

Baseline

September

Formative

Ongoing

Half-Termly

Every 6 weeks

Summative

Termly

Annual Review

Annually

Baseline

Initial assessment to establish starting points and inform differentiation

Formative

Regular lesson-level checks for understanding and progress

Half-Termly

Assessed tasks to track progress against learning objectives and EHCP targets

Summative

End-of-term assessment with moderated grading and reporting

Annual Review

Contribution to EHCP Annual Review with evidence of progress

Section 4

Adaptations for SEND Learners

SEMH Support
  • Regulation breaks built into lesson plans
  • Therapeutic check-ins before and after sessions
  • Flexible seating and low-stimulus environments
  • Positive behaviour reinforcement strategies
ASC Adaptations
  • Visual timetables and structured routines
  • Clear, literal instructions with visual supports
  • Advance notice of changes to activities or routine
  • Reduced sensory demands in the learning environment
Communication Needs
  • Colourful Semantics and visual communication aids
  • Pre-teaching of key vocabulary before each topic
  • Simplified task instructions with visual scaffolding
  • Alternative recording methods where appropriate
Cognition & Learning
  • Scaffolded worksheets with graduated difficulty
  • Concrete-pictorial-abstract approach to new concepts
  • Repetition and retrieval practice built into every session
  • Extended processing time and chunked instructions
Section 5

Termly Scheme of Work

Section 7

Preparation for Adulthood Links

Employment

  • Workplace-relevant skills and knowledge
  • Problem-solving and independent thinking
  • Teamwork and collaboration skills
  • Accredited qualifications for career pathways

Independent Living

  • Real-world application of core skills
  • Managing personal information and data
  • Budgeting and financial literacy connections
  • Health and safety awareness

Community Participation

  • Understanding rights and responsibilities
  • Environmental and social awareness
  • Communication skills for community engagement
  • Active citizenship and participation

Health & Wellbeing

  • Self-regulation and emotional literacy
  • Physical wellbeing and healthy choices
  • Building resilience and self-confidence
  • Therapeutic progress and coping strategies

Questions About Our English Language Curriculum?

Our English team can discuss how we adapt our AQA 8700 teaching for SEND learners, including access arrangements, differentiated resources and therapeutic support.