Text Box: GCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE    

Text Box: EXAM BOARD                                     AQA   TEACHER I/C OF SUBJECT          Mr A Coates   METHOD OF ASSESSMENT         Examination                                               75%                                                            Written Controlled Assessment              25%

Text Box: COURSE DESCRIPTION   The majority of pupils at Kingshill School take GCSE English Literature as a combined course with GCSE English Language.  The two GCSEs are taught together in English lessons over Years 10 & 11 resulting in two separate GCSE qualifications.    EXAMINATIONS   Unit 1 - Exploring modern texts In this 1½ hour exam, pupils will write about two texts studied during the two-year course. Both texts will be selected by the teacher, with one text chosen from a range of modern prose and drama while the other text will be taken from a selection of prose from different cultures.   Unit 2 -Poetry across time In this 1¼ hour exam, pupils will respond to questions based on a selection of contemporary and English Literary Heritage poetry studied across the two-year course. Candidates will be expected to make comparisons across the poems they have studied in section A of the exam. In section B, pupils will respond to one unseen poem, testing their skills as analytical and critical readers.   CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT   As of September 2010, GCSE English Language and Literature courses replaced coursework with controlled assessments. The fundamental change for pupils is the necessity to complete all tasks under teacher supervised conditions in a set time frame.   Unit 3 - The Significance of Shakespeare and the English Literary Heritage In this unit, pupils will submit one task that links the study of a play by Shakespeare with one other text from the English Literary Heritage. Tasks will be based on some aspect of theme or characterisation.   WHAT WILL PUPILS LEARN BY TAKING THIS SUBJECT?   · To widen their knowledge, understanding and appreciation of poetry. · To be able to deconstruct characters, themes and ideas in a range of texts. · To evaluate and question the validity of writers' views and attitudes. · To develop awareness of the social, historical and cultural backgrounds to texts. · To be more familiar with English literary heritage, including contemporary writers.   WHAT ABOUT FUTURE PROGRESSION?   GCSE Literature is ideal for pupils who wish to continue their study of English or Literature at A Level / degree level.  Even more importantly, GCSE Literature helps all pupils to be aware of the significant social and cultural issues relevant to our heritage and to our society today. At the very least, we hope pupils will leave Kingshill with an enjoyment of a wide and engaging range of poetry, plays and novels.