Overview

Studying English Literature encourages students to develop knowledge and skills in reading, writing and critical thinking. Through literature, students develop their cultural awareness and experience a range of influential writers. The specification enables students of all abilities to develop the skills they need to read, understand and analyse a wide range of different texts covering the 19th, 20th and 21st century time periods. In addition, students will develop their ability to write clearly, coherently and accurately using a range of vocabulary and sentence structures.

KS4 Intent Statement

Provide students with the opportunity to explore a more challenging and focused range of texts and skills to help with further study in English and the wider curriculum. Enable students to become critical consumers of texts, confident communicators, self-reliant independent learners, and socially aware, responsible adults. Prepare students effectively for GCSE examinations through building on prior learning to revisit and improve skills. Promote retrieval of previous knowledge, drawing upon the development of all three literacy strands. Explicitly promote stretch and challenge through the years, underpinning with regular assessment and targeted feedback, as aligned with key learning objectives. Cultivate student confidence and resilience in the subject. Provide opportunities for extracurricular learning with a focus on developing a passion for English, as well as personalised advice and guidance. Extracurricular opportunities enhance the learning experience with a focus on supporting and extending knowledge and skills, as well as personalised advice and guidance. 

Qualification Details

Exam Board: AQA
Qualification Title: English Literature
Qualification Specification Code: 8702
Qualification Webpage: Click here to visit the AQA webpage for the specification.

Why should I study this course?

English Literature is a mandatory course to study at GCSE. It will also benefit your other studies at GCSE, through developing your skills of empathy and insight into a range of cultures and societies.

What knowledge and/or skills will I need?

AO1: To be able to maintain a critical style and develop an informed personal response to a text. To use textual references, including quotations, to support and illustrate interpretations.
AO2: To analyse the language, form and structure used by a writer to create meanings and effects.
AO3:To show understanding of the relationships between texts and the contexts in which they were written.
AO4: To be able to use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures for clarity, purpose and effect, with accurate spelling and punctuation.

What will I study in this qualification?

How will I be assessed?

Paper 1 (40%): Shakespeare and the 19th-century novel
1hr45
64 marks in total.

Section A Shakespeare: students will answer one question on the play they have studied. They 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 The 19th-century novel: students will answer one question on the novel they have studied. 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 (60%): Modern texts and poetry
2hr15
96 marks in total.

Section A Modern texts: students will answer one essay question from a choice of two on their studied modern prose or drama text.

Section B Poetry: students will answer one comparative question on one named poem printed on the paper and one other poem from the Power & Conflict anthology cluster.

Section C Unseen poetry: Students will answer one question on one unseen poem and one question comparing this poem with a second unseen poem.

Possible Career Paths

Writer – Creative writer, travel writer, children’s writer…
Historian
Journalist
Careers working within PR, marketing, advertising
Teacher – English Language specialist
Linguistic specialist
Translator
Copy-writer
Editor
Solicitor/Lawyer
Graphic Designer
Politician
Brand Consultant
Motivational Speaker
Researcher
Librarian
Jobs within publishing
University Lecturer – specialising in a genre of Literature

Overview

This course is designed to enable students to become confident and reflective readers and is a fantastic way to fuel a passion for literature. Students learn to use critical concepts and terminology with understanding and discrimination. They are encouraged to reflect on their own responses to texts, consider interpretations by other readers and develop awareness of the contexts in which texts were written. Using detailed knowledge and understanding of individual texts, students will explore comparisons and links between them, appreciating the significance of cultural and historical influences upon readers and writers.

A variety of study methods are used, and we encourage students to be active participants. The non-examination assessment is an opportunity to follow personal interests and passions. It promotes the skills needed for independent study at University level in a supportive environment. This course requires an enjoyment of reading and the curiosity to explore beyond the set texts.

KS5 Intent Statement

Provide students with the opportunity to explore an academic range of texts and skills that will help with careers and higher study in English/Film/ Media and the wider curriculum. Educate students to be able to engage critically with texts on an exploratory and analytical level. Support students in being able to manage time and organisational elements with research, essay writing and extended projects (in particular the NEA). Inspire students to become adults who are curious about the world and willing to challenge ideas. Promote independent learning in the subject area and beyond. Enable students to become sophisticated and effective communicators. Using the curricula, introduce new concepts; build on prior learning to revisit and improve skills; promote the development of all three literacy strands; explicitly promote stretch and challenge through the years. All this is underpinned with personalised assessment and targeted feedback, aligned with key learning objectives. Inspire and enhance student understanding further by offering extra-curricular opportunities with a focus on extending knowledge and experience, and encouraging personal investigation. Provide personalised advice and guidance to support students’ wider learning and aspirations beyond KS5. 

Qualification Details

Exam Board: Edexcel
Qualification Title: English Literature
Qualification Specification Code: 9ET0
Qualification Webpage: Click here to visit the Edexcel webpage for the specification.

Entry Requirements

Standard Sixth Form entry requirements plus applicants wishing to study A Level English Literature must have attained at least a grade 5 in English Literature or English Language at GCSE.

What will I study in this qualification?

Possible Career Paths

A Level English Literature opens up wide and varied pathways for your future. You may choose to undertake an English Literature degree or study for careers in law, journalism, teaching, public relations, advertising, social work, the civil service, theatre, film or writing.

A level English Literature supports all careers where spoken and written communication skills are important. In addition, the subject develops critical thinking skills and the ability to craft evidence-based independent opinions and judgements. It is therefore extremely helpful for a wide range of careers, both vocational and practical. This is the most appropriate course to take for students who are considering further study of English Literature at university.