THE CORE CURRICULUM – GCSE ENGLISH Literature

Aim of the course

The English Literature course takes a skills-based approach to the study of English literature that is consistent across the genres through the study of a series of set texts.

In studying the set texts students should have the opportunity to develop the following skills:

• Literal and inferential comprehension: understanding a word, phrase or sentence in context; exploring aspects of plot, characterisation, events and settings; distinguishing between what is stated explicitly and what is implied; explaining motivation, sequence of events, and the relationship between actions or events.
• Critical reading: identifying the theme and distinguishing between themes; supporting a point of view by referring to evidence in the text; recognising the possibility of and evaluating different responses to a text; using understanding of writers’ social, historical and cultural contexts to inform evaluation; making an informed personal response that derives from analysis and evaluation of the text.
• Evaluation of a writer’s choice of vocabulary, grammatical and structural features: analysing and evaluating how language, structure, form and presentation contribute to quality and impact; using linguistic and literary terminology for such evaluation.
• Comparing texts: comparing texts studied, referring where relevant to theme, characterisation, context (where known), style and literary quality; comparing two texts critically with respect to the above.
• Producing clear and coherent text: writing effectively about literature for a range of purposes such as to describe, explain, summarise, argue, analyse and evaluate; discussing and maintaining a point of view; selecting and emphasising key points; using relevant quotation and using detailed textual references

How will it be assessed?

Under the GCSE Curriculum- both the English Literature and English Language course will be assessed via 100% external examination.

Students will sit 2 papers for English Literature:

• Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th-century novel- worth 40% of the final qualification
• Paper 2: Modern texts and poetry- worth 60% of the final qualification

Possible careers associated with this subject

English is a key skill needed for all aspects of your adult life. For many of our students, the study of English Literature also becomes a lifelong passion.

Successful study of English at GCSE level builds a strong foundation for A level and university study. An English degree can lead to careers in journalism, publishing, teaching, sales and marketing, broadcast media, television, and many more. The study of English also nurtures a range of transferable skills, which aid your studies of other subjects.