Of Mice and Men

In this unit you will be studying the classic novella, Of Mice and Men, written by John Steinbeck. You will explore the important role of Steinbeck's context, including social, cultural, historical and political influences, as well as developing a deep understanding of the plot, characters and settings. You will be producing an analytical essay as a piece of coursework for your English Literature iGCSE, worth 20% of your final grade. 

For the opportunity to win a Golden Ticket, write a full essay response to the following question:

How does Steinbeck present his views about society in 1930s America within the novella 'Of Mice and Men'?

To Kill A Mockingbird

In this unit you will be studying the classic novella, To Kill A Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee. You will explore the important role of Harper's context, including social, cultural, historical and political influences, as well as developing a deep understanding of the plot, characters and settings. This text is being studied as part of your final Literature examination.

For the opportunity to win a Golden Ticket, write a full essay response to the following question:

In Harper Lee's ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’, the themes of racial injustice, moral courage, and personal growth are explored through the experiences of its characters. Drawing on your wider reading, historical context research, and character analyses, discuss how these themes are developed in the novel. Use specific examples from the text and your tasks to support your argument.

An Inspector Calls

In this unit you will be studying the play An Inspector Calls written by J.B. Priestley. You will explore the important role of 20th-century context, including social, cultural, historical and political influences, as well as developing a deep understanding of the plot, characters and settings. This text is being studied as part of your final Literature examination.

For the opportunity to win a Golden Ticket,  write a newspaper article that combines your findings and explorations from the independent learning tasks, imagining you are reporting the news of Eva Smith’s death. Include the following:

1. Headline: Create a compelling headline that captures the essence of the story. For example, "Young Woman Found Dead: Suicide or Foul Play?"

2. Introduction: Write a brief introduction that provides the basic facts of the case, including who, what, when, where, and how. Mention Eva Smith's name, her age, and the circumstances of her death.

3. Body: Provide a detailed account of the events leading up to Eva Smith's death. Include information about her interactions with the Birling family and Gerald Croft, as well as any relevant background information about her life and struggles. Incorporate quotes from key characters in the play, such as Mr. Birling, Sheila, and Inspector Goole, to add depth and authenticity to the article.

4. Conclusion: Summarize the key points of the article and reflect on the broader implications of Eva Smith's death. Discuss themes such as social responsibility and the impact of individual actions on others.

Poetry Anthology

For your English Literature exam you will be studying the poems from the literature anthology. You will explore the meaning, language and structural methods for each poem in preparation for your final literature examination. You will also develop skills in order to compare the poems effectively.

For the opportunity to win a Golden Ticket, write a full essay response to one of the following questions:

‘Compare how poets present ideas about the power of nature in 'Hurricane Hits England' and at least one other poem from the poetry anthology.’

OR

'Explore the theme of human resilience in the face of adversity as depicted in at least two of the poems you have studied. How do the poets convey the struggles and strengths of individuals or communities in challenging circumstances?'