GCSE ENGLISH literature

🎓 The Course

All pupils will take two GCSEs: one in English Language and one in English Literature. All students will achieve 2 GCSEs in English by the end of the course. 

In Literature the focus is on reading and responding to a variety of texts including novels, poetry and plays. All students will study at least one Shakespeare text and a 19th Century British novel alongside more contemporary works. 

The Literature course is assessed on final exams only. There are no tiers in the exam so all students will complete the same end of course examination.

Exam board: AQA

📝 Assessments

Exam Paper One

📋 40% of overall grade
⏰ 1 hour 45 minute exam

Contains two questions – one on a studied Shakespeare play and one on a studied 19th century novel.

Exam Paper Two

📋 60% of overall grade
⏰ 2 hour 15 minute exam

Containing four questions – one on a studied modern text, one comparing studied poetry and two on unseen poetry.

Both exams will be closed book. 

A girl sitting at a desk reading a worksheet

Subject Contact:

Mrs Maher

Post-16 Academic:

  • A Level English Literature
  • A Level English Language
  • A Level English Language/Literature

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