English Literature

English language and literature form the backbone of any GCSE education.

Students will not only extend their use of language, both written and spoken, but also study a range of texts that will enrich their understanding of the language as both a communication medium and an art form.

In year 7, year 8 and year 9, we prepare students for the AQA English Language and English Literature GCSE course.

KS3 English Literature

The skills being assessed are as follows:

• Assessment Objective 1 Critical analysis of texts, using quotations to support ideas.
• Assessment Objective 2 Analyse writer’s methods using subject terminology.
• Assessment Objective 3 Explore contextual information and make links between text and task.
• Assessment Objective 4 Spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Texts to be studied in year 7 are:

• Romeo and Juliet
• Charles Dickens
• Myths and Legends

They will also be working on a piece of creative writing.

Texts to be studied in year 8 are:

• The Hunger Games
• Animal Farm

They will again be working on a piece of creative writing.

KS4 English Literature

This GCSE course aims to promote critical responses from students. By responding to a variety of texts across time, it is expected that students will become accustomed to using textual references to support their inferences and assertions. By maintaining an appropriate yet critical tone, it is expected that students will develop a love of Literature and a secure conceptual understanding of the contexts with which they were written in.

KEY SKILLS

• To analyse the language, form and structure used by a writer to create meanings and effects, using relevant subject terminology where appropriate
• Show understanding of the relationships between texts and the contexts in which they were written
• Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures for clarity, purpose and effect, with accurate spelling and punctuation

FUTURE DIRECTION

As a core subject and one of the most widely recognised GCSE qualifications, English Language is a course that will leave students with a wide range of further educational opportunities at A-level and degree level.

Further career opportunities include:

• Broadcasting
• Journalism
• Teaching
• Law
• Linguistic forensics

ASSESSMENT

The course is 100% examination and consists of:

• Paper 1 – 1 hour 45 minutes: Shakespeare and 19th Century novel
• Paper 2 – 2 hours 15 minutes: Modern texts and Poetry

Texts covered: Macbeth, A Christmas Carol, An Inspector Calls

Exam board:

AQA