English Literature

GCSE English Literature encourages students to develop a love for reading classical literature building the foundations that will enable a child to become a reader for life. Students learn to love Shakespeare’s tragedies and appreciate Charles Dickens’ gift for prose. Classes are lively and creative giving students the invaluable opportunity to enjoy reading the texts aloud as well as contributing to drama and debates whilst developing their ability to analyse a range of poetry and prose in preparation for their exams and, just as importantly, the world beyond school. 

EXAMINATION BOARD - Eduqas GCSE (9-1) in English Literature 

SPECIFICATION CODE - C720QS 

 

CURRICULUM CONTENT 

Shakespeare and the Anthology Poetry Collection

  • Macbeth – William Shakespeare 
  • Anthology Poetry Collection  

Modern texts and poetry

  • An Inspector Calls – J. B. Priestley 
  • A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens 
  • Unseen Poetry 

 

ASSESSMENT

Paper 1: Shakespeare and the Anthology Poetry Collection

  • 1 written exam: 2 hours 
  • Macbeth (students are set a 20 minute extract question and a 40 minute essay question)
  • Poetry Anthology (students will write about each poem and then compare both poems, 1 hour)
  • 40% of GCSE

Paper 2: Modern texts and poetry

  • 1 written exam: 2 hour 30 minutes
  • An Inspector Calls (students are set a 45 minute essay question)
  • A Christmas Carol (students are set a 45 minute essay question)
  • Unseen Poetry (students will write about each poem and then compare both poems, 1 hour)
  • 60% of GCSE

 

EXTRA-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES 

Students have the opportunity to participate in a range of extra-curricular activities. In the past many students have had short stories put in print as a result of entering into faculty supported national competitions and students are also encouraged to enter poetry competitions in support of local and national charities. Students who are enthusiastic about English will be able to join the English debating society, which is student run and allows students the rich opportunity to debate a wide range of topics, both past and current.