English Literature

Course summary

This specification approaches the reading and study of literature, encouraging the independent study of a range of texts within a shared context, giving logic and meaning to the way that texts are grouped for study. This academic approach allows for a range of wider reading, thus extending students’ experience and appreciation of literature. A rigorous engagement with challenging texts comes through discussion work and written work. In lessons we approach texts in a range of creative and analytical ways, but the heart of our approach is discursive. We encourage students to argue a case forcefully and to reap the rewards of intellectual debate. Offering clear progression from GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature, this course allows students to build on their existing skills and knowledge. The variety of assessment styles used, such as passage-based questions, unseen material, single text questions and comparative questions, all of which are closed-book, allow students to develop a wide range of skills: the ability to read critically, analyse, evaluate and undertake independent research, all of which are valuable for both further study and future employment.