English Literature

What is English Literature?

GCSE English Literature is a study of how writers communicate their ideas about the world; it aims to develop a critical understanding of the ways in which literary texts are a reflection of, and explorations of, the human condition. Through literary texts we are able to develop an empathetic understanding of human nature. This course will teach pupils to understand the ways in which the writers present their ideas, to explore the links between these universal experiences and give them insight into the contexts which shaped them.

Course outline – what will I learn?

You will study:
• Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’
• ‘The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’ by Robert Louis Stevenson
• ‘A Taste of Honey’ by Shelagh Delaney
• The ‘Power and Conflict‘ anthology of poems
• Unseen Poetry

Key Skills:

• understanding the social, cultural and historical influences of a text;
• understanding character and plot development;
• analysing the writer’s language form and structural choices.

How will it be assessed?

100% un-tiered exam.
You will write an essay for each of the key texts studied.
You will have to revise and compare two poems from the anthology.
You will also be given two unseen poems to assess your independent analysis skills.

What parents need to know

Guided revision homework is set every week to help pupils retain content and to practise key skills. There are a number of useful revision resources available from CGP, Pearson and online. Please speak to your child’s English teacher for more information.

How can English help me in the future?

Successful communication skills are essential for your future. Here are some examples of English careers:
• media; journalism; publishing; copywriting;
• teaching: schools; colleges; abroad;
• influencing: advertising; public relations; marketing; retail;
• Public Sector: administration; local government; health service.

Contact: l.nicklin (Head of English) or a.lodge (Associate Head of English) on info@oakwood.ac

Ex pupils’ experiences

“I like creative writing and using my imagination.” Y9 pupil

“English taught me to use my voice to stand up for what I believe in.” Y11 pupil

“I actually like poetry now!” Y10 pupil