Learn: Overview of AQA GCSE English Literature Specification

Welcome!Today we'll explore the AQA GCSE English Literature specification. This lesson will help you understand how the course is structured and prepare you for your exams. Let's dive in!

What is the AQA GCSE English Literature Specification?The specification outlines what you need to study, how you're assessed, and what skills you need to demonstrate. It is divided into two components: Paper 1 and Paper 2, each focusing on different types of texts.

Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th-Century NovelIn Paper 1, you will study a Shakespeare play and a 19th-century novel. You'll answer extract-based and whole-text questions to show your understanding of plot, characters, themes, and context.

Paper 2: Modern Texts and PoetryPaper 2 explores modern prose or drama, anthology poetry, and unseen poetry. This paper tests your ability to analyse and compare texts, focusing on themes, methods, and context.

Assessment Objectives (AOs)These are the skills you need to demonstrate in your exams: AO1 focuses on understanding and responding to texts, AO2 on analysing language, form, and structure, AO3 on understanding context, and AO4 on writing with accuracy.

Exam StructureBoth papers are closed book, meaning you cannot bring the texts into the exam. Paper 1 is 1 hour 45 minutes, and Paper 2 is 2 hours 15 minutes. Together, they make up 100% of your GCSE grade.

Texts You Will StudyYou'll study whole texts from specific lists provided by the specification. For Shakespeare, options include Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet. For modern texts, examples include An Inspector Calls and Animal Farm. For poetry, you'll study one cluster from the anthology.

Review Time!Great work! You've learned about the AQA GCSE English Literature specification, including its structure, texts, and assessment objectives. Let’s test your understanding.