GCSE English Literature
Course Codes
OSC1349 / OSC1350
This GCSE English Literature will enable you to explore and understand more about classic English Literature through studying and analysing a number of classic texts.
- Study a range of classic English texts.
- Develop planning and research skills.
- Find themes, interpret information, and handle complex ideas.
- Achieve a recognised GCSE English Literature qualification.
- This course will provide you with an accredited AQA qualification upon successful completion of examinations.
- Add on exams and we will organise and book these for you.
Course overview
The General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) is the UK’s most widely recognised certification for the end of secondary school education. It is often the entry-level requirement to further study, such as A Levels and apprenticeships.
GCSE English Literature is ideal for students who plan to study English Literature at A Level and for those who would like a career in writing, journalism, advertising, or teaching, to name a few.
You will explore topics such as Shakespeare, 19th-century novels, modern text and anthology poetry. GCSE English Literature is a solid qualification that could enable you to go on to study related subjects in the future, such as journalism, publishing, teaching, media, or politics.
You will need to take exams to achieve the official GCSE English Literature qualification. You have the option of enrolling on a package course which includes your exams and means we’ll organise and book these for you on your behalf.Â
Course Duration
Up to 12 months.
Course Outcome
You will receive your GCSE in English Literature (you must take the exams to achieve this).
Entry Requirements
There are no specific entry requirements for this course.
Assessment
Two paper-based exams.
Course content
- Subject specific terminology
- Social and historical Context
- Form and structure
- Reading the play
- Character study
- Themes and motifs
- Social and historical context
- Reading the novel
- Character study
- Themes and motifs
- Form and structure
- Social and historical context
- Reading the novel
- Book analysis
- Character study
- Form and structure
- Poetry marking scheme
- Poetry analysis
- Nature and place
- Historical warfare
- Modern warfare
- Identity and culture
- Comparative poetry
Extra info
Assessment
To achieve your GCSE English Literature qualification, you will be assessed across all units. There are two paper-based examinations. If you add on your exams, we will book these for you. If you choose this option, our GCSE exam centre locations for this course are as follows:
- Birmingham
- Coventry
- Doncaster
- Bolton
- Wimbledon
- Taunton
- St Neots, Cambridgeshire
- High Wycombe
- Romford
- Belfast
All assessments are closed book and any stimulus materials required will be provided as part of the assessment. All assessments are compulsory.
A more detailed breakdown of the assessment details is provided below.
Course Duration
You will have up to one year to complete the full GCSE English Literature course from the date you receive your materials.
You will be able to study at your own pace and in your own time without the pressure of tight deadlines.
Study Method
This course will be studied entirely via distance learning, meaning you will complete your learning either from home or a place that suits you. Full tutor support will be available via email, so if you have any questions or need some guidance, your tutor will be here to help. Your course materials will include a series of self-assessment exercises and tutor-marked questions to allow both yourself and your tutor to monitor your progress.
The study method you choose depends on your personal learning style. Your options are:
- Study pack: if you choose the study pack option, you will be sent a set of printed course materials.
- Study online: if you choose this option, you will be sent your login details to our online portal through which you will access your course materials digitally. You can access your course via a desktop/laptop computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Course Outcome
Once you have completed this course and the exams, you will achieve a GCSE in English Literature from AQA.
Exam details
Paper 1: Romeo and Juliet and Jekyll and Hyde
What’s assessed
- Romeo and Juliet
- Jekyll and Hyde
How it’s assessed
- written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 64 marks
- 40% of GCSE
Questions
Section A: Romeo and Juliet
Students will answer one question on the play. They will be required to write in detail about an extract from the play and then write about the play as a whole.
Section B: Jekyll and Hyde
Students will answer one question on the novel. They will be required to write in detail about an extract from the novel, and then to write about the novel as a whole.
Paper 2: Lord of the Flies and Power and Conflict
What’s assessed
- Lord of the Flies
- Power and Conflict
- Unseen poetry
How it’s assessed:
- written exam: 2 hours 15 minutes
- 96 marks
- 60% of GCSE
Questions
Section A Lord of the Flies
Students will answer one essay question from a choice of two on Lord of the Flies.
Section B Power and Conflict
Students will answer one comparative question on one named poem printed on the paper, and one other poem from Power and Conflict.
Section C Unseen poetry
Students will answer one question on one unseen poem, and one question comparing this poem with a second unseen poem.
Q&As
You do not need any previous knowledge to enrol onto this GCSE English Literature course.
Included in the cost of this course is the following:
- Dedicated personal tutor support
- Dedicated learner services
- Accreditation
- Assignment marking and feedback
- FREE XO Student Discounts membership
- FREE CV critique service
- FREE employability guide to help you impress future employers
- Open Study College pen, highlighter, and notebook*
* Not included with the online study option
The required reading list is outlined in the topic section of the course above.
You will need to take the official GCSE examinations in order to fully complete this course. Exams can be added to the cost of this course. We will book and pay for them on your behalf.
Please note: if you choose to add on your exams you will need to sit them at either the Birmingham, Coventry, Doncaster, Bolton, Wimbledon, Taunton, or St Neots (Cambridgeshire) examination centre.
You will need to purchase the reading texts Romeo and Juliet, Jekyll and Hyde, and Lord of the Flies. The anthology poetry Power and Conflict is included in the course. If you don’t add on the exams, you will need to book and pay for these yourself.
It's not a problem. We offer a course replacement service, so if you get into trouble and your course pack is lost or damaged, our Student Support Team can provide you with a new set of materials for a one-time additional fee.
That's not a problem. We want to make sure you're 100% confident about enrolling on the course and starting your study. So, just give our team of education specialists a call on 03300 563 100 and they'll do their best to help.
