English Literature

Exam Board: AQA

The GCSE English Literature course encourages students to develop knowledge and skills in reading, writing and critical thinking. Through literature, students have a chance to develop culturally and acquire knowledge of the best that has been thought and written. Studying GCSE English Literature encourages students to read widely for pleasure, and as a preparation for studying literature at a higher level.  

Paper 1:  Shakespeare and Nineteenth Century Novel  64 Marks  40% of GCSE (1hour, 45 minutes)  

Section A: Shakespeare  

Students will answer one question on the play they have studied. Students will be required to write in detail about an extract from the play and then to write about the play as a whole.  

Section B: The 19th Century Novel  

Students will answer one question on the novel they have studied. Students will be required to write in detail about an extract from the novel and then to write about the novel as a whole.  

Paper 2: Modern Texts  96 Marks   60% of GCSE     (2 hours, 15 minutes)  

Section A: Modern Texts 

Students will answer one essay question from a choice of two on a modern prose or drama text.  

Section B: Poetry  

Students will answer one comparative question on one named poem printed on the paper and one other poem from the chosen anthology cluster. 

Section C: Unseen Poetry 

Students will answer one question on one unseen poem and one question comparing this poem with a second unseen poem. 

Students will be required to buy set texts to be annotated in class – letters will be sent out with further information on these. English qualifications open doors to sixth form, college courses and are highly regarded by UCAS and employers. Some careers involving English skills include journalism, publishing, law and marketing. 

Assessment

100% examination — two exams at the end of Year 11. Throughout the course students will complete practice exam-style questions.