English Literature
Why study English Literature?
If you love reading, analysing and discussing literary texts, then this course is the right one for you. If you enjoyed exploring and developing your own response to poetry, plays and novels at GCSE, then this is a chance to extend those skills with a more challenging range of texts. You will gain and develop skills such as creative, analytical thinking and confident oral and written expression. These are all skills which are valued in areas such as Law, Teaching and Lecturing, Journalism, Publishing and the Media.
What will you study?
You will study a range of texts, from Shakespeare to the present day. Paper 1 is about how the theme of ‘Love’ is presented in Literature throughout the ages; you will study The Great Gatsby, an anthology of Love Poetry and a Shakespeare play. You will also study literature from ‘Modern Times’ which explores how modern writers (post WW2) present their perspectives on modern themes, such as gender, class and social change to name a few.
How will I study?
Lessons will always include discussion and debate, as well as focused independent writing. You will be asked to read sections of the texts before the lessons and complete pre-reading questions about them. This enables our lessons to be more exploratory and challenging; you can focus on analysing the deeper details of the themes and ideas. We also encourage you to do lots of wider reading ‘around’ the texts you are studying, including reading the work of literary critics.
How will my work be assessed?
80% of the course will be examined by 2 exams. 20% will be assessed through the completion of a Non-Examined Assessment (coursework).
Entry requirements: we require that you have gained a 6 in both English Language and English Literature at GCSE.