English Literature
Course Length
One or two years.
The course
Literature at GCSE is a tremendously exciting experience leading students to a greater and more informed enjoyment of literature and ultimately to a greater understanding of themselves, of others and of the world around them. The primary aim of the course is to encourage the candidate’s own response to literary texts, that enjoyment taking a variety of forms, both critical and imaginative. The English Literature IGCSE course at MPW takes full account of the requirements of the National Curriculum at key stage 4.
The teaching aims to encourage candidates to develop: (i) the ability to read, understand and respond to a wide range of literary texts and to appreciate the ways in which authors achieve their effects; (ii) awareness of social, historical and cultural contexts and influences in the study of literature; and (iii) the ability to construct and convey meaning in speech and writing, matching style to audience and purpose.
What skills do I need?
You need to take delight in the close reading and analysis of texts.
How is the course assessed?
There are three exams. The Component 1 exam (Poetry and Prose – Closed Text) tests you on two texts: (i) Ted Hughes – selected poems and (ii) Picnic at Hanging Rock – Joan Lindsay. There is a choice of two questions (one passage-based and one essay) on each text. The exam lasts 90 minutes and is worth 50% of the total marks.
The Component 3 exam (Drama (Open Text)) will involve the study of: (i) Othello by William Shakespeare. There is a choice of two questions (one passage-based and one essay) on the text. The exam lasts 45 minutes and is worth 25% of the total marks.
The Component 4 comprises ‘unseen’ passages which will test candidates’ skills in literary appreciation. It is worth 25% of the total marks. This specification is examined in May/June and October/November examination sessions and can be taken twice.
Reading
Othello (New Cambridge Shakespeare)
By W. Shakespeare
Published by CUP, ISBN-13 978-1107569713
Picnic at Hanging Rock
By Joan Lindsay
Published by Vintage Classics, ISBN-13: 978-0099577140
New Selected Poems
By Ted Hughes
Published by Faber & Faber, ISBN-13: 978-0571173785
Exam Board and Specification Codes
Cambridge 0486
Richard Martin
Head of Department
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