GCSE English Literature

Course Objectives

English Literature enables students to engage with and develop the ability to read, understand and respond to a wide range of literary texts from Literary Heritage, to develop an appreciation of the ways in which authors use literary effects and to develop the skills needed for literary study.

The subject explores the author's use of language to create effects and gives students the opportunity to find enjoyment in reading literature and understand its influence on individuals and societies. A selection of prose, drama and poetry from the Literary Heritage allows teachers a wide choice of set texts.

The examination questions allow all students to make a personal, informed response to the texts studied. The qualification offers an enjoyable and stimulating study of English Literature.

Unit Information

English literature will enable students to:

• Read a wide range of classic literature fluently and with good understanding, and make connections across their reading
• Read in depth, critically and evaluative, so that they are able to discuss and explain their understanding and ideas
• Develop the habit of reading widely and often
• Appreciate the depth and power of the English literary heritage
  
• Write accurately, effectively and analytically about their reading, using Standard English
  
• Acquire and use a wide vocabulary, including the grammatical terminology and other literary and linguistic terms they need to criticise and analyse what they read.
  

Detailed study

Students will study a range of high quality, intellectually challenging, and substantial whole texts in detail. Over the course of Key stage 4:

• One play by Shakespeare: 'Romeo and Juliet'.
• One 19th Century novel: 'Jekyll and Hyde'.
• A selection of poetry since 1789, including representative romantic poetry and conflict poetry.
• Fiction or drama from the British Isles from 1914 onwards: 'An Inspector Calls'.
  

Why Study

The English Literature qualification enables students to understand that texts from our Literary Heritage have been influential and significant over time and explore their meaning today, exploring how they reflect or influence values, assumptions and sense of identity. Equally students will be taught to connect ideas, examine themes and issues, drawing on a range of texts to become critical readers.

Careers Options

Teaching, Broadcasting, Marketing, Author, Public Relations, Advertising, Publishing, Law, Journalism, Sales, Administration.

Key contact

Mrs K Traves