Course overview
GCSE in 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. Add exams and we will book and pay for them on your behalf.
This course can be completed without taking the exams, but you will not receive the full qualification.
Recognition

Study method
- Online
- Blended
- In-class
Duration study load
You will have up to 1 year 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.
Entry requirements
There are no specific entry requirements for this course.
Course features
- Dedicated personal tutor support
- Dedicated student support
- Accreditation
- Assignment marking and feedback
- Free XO Student Discounts card
- Free CV critique service
- Free employability guide to help you impress future employers
- Comprehensive study guide*
- Open Study College pen and highlighter*
- Student study planner*
- Student notebook*
- Document wallet*
* Not included with the online study option
Assessment
To achieve a GCSE in English Literature you will be assessed across all units. There are 2 paper-based examinations. If you add to your exams, we will book these for you. Exams will be sat at either our Birmingham, Bolton, Doncaster, London or Macclesfield exam centre, so please ensure you will be able to travel to the location you choose.
All assessments are closed book – 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 outcome
Once you have completed this course and the exams, you will achieve a GCSE in English Literature. The awarding body is 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 in 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.
Delivery
This GCSE English Literature course is offered on a distance learning basis.
You will receive your course materials online or by post.
Your course includes full and unlimited tutor support via email.
Subjects
- 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
About Open Study College
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