English Literature

Introduction

Taught By: Mrs Michelle Berry; BA (Hons), Essex; BA (Hons) Econ., Wales; PGCE and Mrs Gokce Dogan; BA (Hons) English Literature, PGCE

The cultural heritage that is English Literature offers a rich variety of short stories, novels, poems and plays spanning four centuries from the late Elizabethan era to the late Twentieth century. This diversity, which also includes post-colonial authors from other English-speaking parts of the world, is reflected in the texts that are studied at the school; with the aim not just to pass exams, but to enrich the experience of life.

Exam Board:

Edexcel

KS3

In years 7, 8 and 9 English Literature is integrated within English, but remains a cornerstone in the teaching of the subject. At least one of Shakespeare’s plays is studied from either: Macbeth, The Tempest or The Merchant of Venice. Year 8 students study one of Charles Dickens’ major novels:
Oliver Twist or Great Expectations. Poetry is also prominent, with pupils studying, amongst others, the works of Percy Shelley, Alfred Tennyson, Wilfred Owen, Ted Hughes, Carol Ann Duffy and Benjamin Zephaniah. Year 9 students study more challenging texts in preparation for GCSE. Authors include Mary Shelley, Emily Brontë, Oscar Wilde, R L Stevenson and Edward Thomas. Students also study a classic novel from the genre of horror: The Strange Case of Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde or Frankenstein.

KS4

In years 10 and 11, English and English Literature divide into two discrete subjects; with students studying and sitting for their GCSE English Exam in Year 10 and their English Literature exam in Year 11. The drama text studied in Year 11 is chosen from A View from the Bridge or An Inspector Calls. For their prose text, students will study either Of Mice and Men or Nineteenth Century Short Stories. The poetry of William Blake, John Keats, Robert Browning, Christina Rossetti, D H Lawrence and Dylan Thomas will also be studied in preparation for the GCSE English Literature exam.

Trips

Trips are to be posted soon