English Literature

The AQA English Literature GCSE covers a range of literary texts including:

• Shakespeare

• 19th century fiction

• Poetry from different time periods

• Modern drama

Students will not only develop the confidence to read and respond to whole texts, but will also learn how to analyse the writers’ techniques, and to evaluate the effects on the reader as well as considering the writers’ purposes. The course has been structured and designed to challenge students to develop their thinking and understanding of literature from a range of different writers and periods. We aim to build success in literature, and in order to do this, students will be encouraged to read regularly, and choose ambitious texts to read in their own time. They will learn to show proficiency in all aspects of academic writing, develop sound comprehension skills, and respond personally and critically to aspects and contexts of literature

GCSE English Literature Paper 1: 1 hour 45 minutes. Examination (50%)

Exam Board: AQA - Shakespeare and the 19th Century Novel

Section A: Macbeth - closed book exam

Shakespeare: One question on the play 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: Pride and Prejudice - closed book exam

The 19th Century Novel: One question on the novel Students will be required to write in detail about an extract from the novel and then to write about the novel as a whole

GCSE English Literature Paper 2: 1 hour 45 minutes. Examination (50%)

Exam Board: AQA - Modern Texts and Poetry

Section A: An Inspector Calls - closed book exam

Modern texts: One essay question from a choice of two on the studied modern drama text

Section B: Love and Relationships Poetry - closed book exam

Poetry: You will answer one comparative question on one named poem printed on the paper and one other poem from the anthology cluster you have studied.

Section C: Unseen poetry

One question on one unseen poem and one question comparing this poem with a second unseen poem