English Literature

Overview

Introduction

In English Literature, students closely study works of literature from the 1600s to the modern day, works by classic authors such as Shakespeare and Dickens as well as modern, diverse works from around the English-speaking world.

Qualification

GCSE

Awarding body

AQA

Course leader

Mrs R Andrew

Assessment

• Examination: 100%
  • Literature Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th century novel | 1 hour 45 mins | 40%
  • Literature Paper 2: modern texts and poetry | 2 hours 15 mins | 60%
• Non-examined assessment: 0%

Curriculum

Course content

Through study of prose, plays, and poetry, students learn how to critically analyse a text and evaluate the writer's craft. Students develop their ability to present their thoughts and ideas in a clear and compelling argument.

Topics

• Macbeth by William Shakespeare.
• A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
• An Inspector Calls by J. B. Priestley.
• Power and Conflict Poetry.
• Unseen Poetry.

Skills and requirements

Skills required

• Literal and inferential comprehension.
• Critical reading.
• Evaluation of a writer’s choice of vocabulary, grammatical and structural features.
• Comparing texts.
• Producing clear and coherent writing.
• Accurate standard English.

Beyond the classroom

Future pathways

Communication skills, creativity and critical thinking are essential for all post-16 subject areas and a good GCSE in English is a requirement for many courses and jobs. Skills and techniques developed in English studies may be continued in a wide range of A-level courses including: English language, English literature, combined language and literature, media studies, and film studies.