SUBJECT AIM
The English literature GSCE course exposes students to a range of set texts which are engaging, popular and accessible. Students will experience texts written by a diverse range of writers and poets and will encompass poetry, prose and drama. The set texts studies are engaging, popular and suitable for all. The literature course develops a broad range of deep skills including: the ability to engage with and develop the ability to read and respond to a wide range of literary texts from around the world; the appreciation of the ways in which writers use literary effects and develop the skills needed for literary study; the ability to explore the writer’s use of language to create effects and find enjoyment in reading literature.
WHAT YOU WILL STUDY
Students will complete two pieces of coursework throughout year 10 and sit a final examination at the end of Year 11. The coursework is based on drama. The first piece explores characterization in the modern drama An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley. The second piece of coursework is focused on literary heritage and students explore a theme throughout Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. For the final examination at the end of Year 11, students will practice their analysis skills on a range of unseen poems. In addition, they will learn a collection of anthology poems and the novel Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck in order to write focused essays based on unseen questions.
HOW WILL YOU BE ASSESSED
Students complete two pieces of coursework in Year 10, each piece is worth 20% of their final grade. In order to best prepare for their coursework student may submit one draft to their teacher and receive feedback before completing and submitting a final draft. The modern drama (An Inspector Calls) coursework should be 1000 -1400 words and the literary heritage (Romeo and Juliet) coursework should also be 1100 – 1400 words. As this is a linear GCSE course, students will also sit an examination paper at the end of Year 11. This paper is worth 60% of their final grade. Within the paper half of the marks are awarded analysis of unseen poetry, anthology poetry and prose (Of Mice and Men)
WHAT THIS SUBJECT CAN LEAD TO
- Media and journalism, publishing, law, public sector, teaching and education.