English Literature
This course will encourage students to develop their interest in and enjoyment of literature and literary studies as they:
- Read widely and independently both set texts and others they may have selected for themselves;
- Engage creatively with a substantial body of texts and ways of responding to them;
- Develop and effectively apply their knowledge of literary analysis and evaluation in speech and writing.
The study of English Literature can be challenging as well as a highly educational enterprise and therefore it has long been regarded by universities and employers as an indicator of intellectual ability and a capacity for hard work. The development of the critical and analytical skills necessary for this subject have an impact on almost all parts of the curriculum and forms of employment.
KS4 English Literature
Our Curriculum
Students follow the AQA (8702) syllabus.
Course Content
This course encourages students to develop knowledge and skills in reading, writing and critical thinking. Through literature, students have a chance to develop culturally and acquire knowledge of the best that has been thought and written. Studying GCSE English Literature should encourage students to read widely for pleasure, and as a preparation for studying literature at a higher level.
Other skills that they acquire include:
- The ability to read a wide range of classic literature fluently and with good understanding
- Reading in depth, critically and evaluatively, so that they are able to discuss and explain their understanding and ideas
- Developing the habit of reading widely and often
- Appreciating the depth and power of the English literary heritage
- Writing accurately, effectively and analytically about their reading, using Standard English
Acquiring and using a wide vocabulary, including the grammatical terminology and other literary and linguistic terms they need to criticise and analyse literature
Skills and Progression Routes
On completion of the course, students will have developed a number of skills including:
- Supporting a point of view
- Understanding social historical contexts
- Evaluating language
- Making comparisons and links between texts
- Using standard English
Some suggested progression routes and career opportunities English Literature supports include:
- Journalism
- Broadcasting
- Media and Advertising
- Law
- Teaching
- Public Relations Publishing
- Consultancy
