English Literature
Studying AQA English Literature allows students to experience global, modern texts and writings which have significantly influenced our literary and cultural heritage.
Curriculum Information
Key Stage 4 Core Subject Information
Exam Board: AQA
Qualification: GCSE in English Literature
During their GCSE journey, students will study a wealth of authors including Shakespeare and a range of poets. The texts covered will span texts from the 19th century to modern poems.
Students will have the opportunity to explore and engage with the authorial viewpoint and writers’ methods in detail and consider a range of interpretations surrounding the chosen language and structure.
Context is considered and explored, and along with critical readings of the set texts, a depth of understanding of the key ideas, themes and characters are also developed.
Literature Paper 1
Shakespeare and the 19th century novel
40% ‘Extract’ paper – 1 hour 45 minutes
Shakespeare’s Macbeth question (a) extract (b) how it links to whole text
R.L. Stevenson’s Jekyll & Hyde question (a) extract (b) how it links to whole text
Literature Paper 2
Modern Texts & Poetry
60% - 2 hours 15 minutes
- Section A – Modern Prose or Drama – The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time adapted by Simon Stephens (Year 11). An Inspector Calls (Year 10)
- Section B – Poetry Anthology – Power & Conflict
- Section C – Unseen Poetry
