GCSE English Literature

Exam Board and Specification Code: Edexcel (4ET1) The Course The objectives of the course are to introduce students to the pleasure of reading challenging literature from a range of time periods and cultures, as well as appreciating the power of English literary heritage. The course offers students the opportunity to develop culturally and increase their enjoyment in selecting and consuming texts independently. They will learn to write analytically and accurately, demonstrating sound knowledge of both the writer’s craft and the context in which the work was produced.

Reading: The class will study two plays, a novel and a wide range of poetry, and through shared reading learn to identify key themes and ideas. They will also explore the social, cultural and historical background of the text and understand how the influences of time and place informed both the writer and contemporaneous readers/audiences. Students will become more adept at observing how writers use language and structure to convey their messages, and for emotional effect, and will be able to employ the correct terminology for the techniques they learn to recognise.

Writing: Students will produce extended pieces of writing, providing analysis and evaluation of the writer’s skill. They will learn to be discerning and organised in the way they present insights and the evidence they use to support their ideas. They will also work on ensuring their use of Standard English, grammar and punctuation are accurate and the