Course Overview

 

A GCSE in English Literature is ideal for students who:

• Plan to study English Literature at A-Level
• Would like a career in writing, journalism, advertising or teaching, to name a few

The GCSE English Literature course enables you to:

• Study a range of classic English texts
• Develop planning and research skills
• Find themes, interpret information and handle complex ideas
• Achieve a recognised qualification for further studies in English Literature at A-Level

This course does not include exams. You will be required to book and pay for your exams yourself.

UNIT 1: SHAKESPEARE - ROMEO AND JULIET

• Subject-specific terminology
• Social and Historical
• Context Form and structure
• Reading the play
• Character study
• Themes and motifs

UNIT 2: 19TH CENTURY NOVEL - JEKYLL AND HYDE

• Social and historical context Reading the novel
• Character study
• Themes and motifs
• Form and structure

UNIT 3: MODERN TEXT - LORD OF THE FLIES

• Social and historical context
• Reading the novel
• Book analysis
• Character study
• Form and structure

UNIT 4 ANTHOLOGY POETRY - POWER AND CONFLICT, FROM POEMS PAST AND PRESENT

• Poetry marking scheme
• Poetry analysis
• Nature and place
• Historical warfare
• Modern warfare Identity and culture
• Comparative poetry

ASSESSMENT

To achieve a GCSE in English Literature you will be assessed across all units. There are 2 paper-based examinations. All assessments are closed book - any stimulus materials required will be provided as part of the assessment. All assessments are compulsory. A more detailed breakdown of the assessment details is provided below:

PAPER 1: ROMEO AND JULIET AND JEKYLL AND HYDE

What's assessed

• Romeo and Juliet
• Jekyll and Hyde

How it's assessed

• written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
• 64 marks
• 40% of GCSE

Questions

Section A Romeo and Juliet Students will answer one question on the play. They will be required to write in detail about an extract from the play and then write about the play as a whole. Section B Jekyll and Hyde Students will answer one question in the novel. They will be required to write in detail about an extract from the novel, and then to write about the novel as a whole.

PAPER 2: LORD OF THE FLIES AND POWER AND CONFLICT

What's assessed

• Lord of the Flies
• Power and Conflict
• Unseen poetry

How it's assessed:

• written exam: 2 hours 15 minutes
• 96 marks
• 60% of GCSE

Questions

Section A Lord of the Flies Students will answer one essay question from a choice of two on Lord of the Flies. Section B Power and Conflict Students will answer one comparative question on one named poem printed on the paper, and one other poem from Power and Conflict. Section C Unseen poetry Students will answer one question on one unseen poem, and one question comparing this poem with a second unseen poem.

COURSE DURATION

You will have 12 months to complete the full GCSE English Language course from the date you receive your materials. You will be able to study at your own pace and in your own time without the pressure of tight deadlines.

STUDY METHOD

This GCSE English Literature course is offered on a distance learning basis. You will receive your course materials online or by post. Your course includes full and unlimited tutor support via email.

COURSE OUTCOME

Once you have completed this course and the exams, you will achieve a GCSE in English Literature. The awarding body is AQA.

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