Overview

By studying literature, pupils study life as it is experienced by people from different times and cultures! Through the eyes of poets, playwrights and novelists, pupils will engage with a range of different ideas about our shared world. They will be asked to respond to the texts we read, interpret them and offer opinions. In addition, pupils will learn to appreciate the ways in which the writers studied achieve their literary effects. Finally, the course equips pupils to find enjoyment in reading literature as well as to understand its influence on individuals and societies.

During the course, pupils will study two plays: one from the twentieth century and one by Shakespeare. They will also cover a diverse selection of poetry and a modern novel, as well as developing the skills needed to respond to an unseen text in the examination.

Assessment

Poetry and Prose 50% - Two questions on two texts: one poetry and one prose.

Drama 25% - One question on a text.

Unseen 25% - One question from a choice of two texts.

Future Pathways

Being able to read closely and infer meaning will also help pupils with any subject that requires analysis of texts. As well as being strong preparation for the study of Literature at a higher level, whether in English or another language, this subject is also useful for future study of subjects such as history, law, business, philosophy, sociology and anything that involves thinking about human behaviour and development.