English Literature (GCSE)

Exam Board:  AQA

Course Overview:

A course where students develop their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.

Course Content:

Students learn to:

• Read a wide range of classic literature fluently and with good understanding and make connections across their reading

• Read in depth, critically and evaluatively, 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 grammatical and other literary terms.

Assessment Structure:

• 100% terminal assessment

• Component 1 Shakespeare and 19th century novel: 1 hour 45 minutes, 50% of final grade

• Component 2 Modern texts and poetry: 2 hours 15 minutes, 50% of final grade

Career Prospects and Transferable Skills:

English Literature is studied alongside English Language throughout KS4.  The study of literature enables you 

to develop opinions of your own and structure convincing arguments in order to support a point of view.  Academic analytical skills are developed and you will be encouraged to approach texts from a range of perspectives.  The texts studied date from 1600 and provide invaluable insights into the world and will act as useful cultural reference points throughout life.  Success in this subject could lead to further study at KS5 as 

well as careers in:

• Academia

• Business

• Creative Media,

• Journalism

• Law

• Performing Arts

• Teaching

Further Information: Katy Edwards (Director of English) - email: katy.edwards@scwa.org.uk