Overview 

Eduqas GCSE English Literature enables students to engage critically with a range of literary texts, including Shakespeare, 19th-century novels, modern prose or drama, and poetry from different time periods. The course develops analytical reading, written communication, and interpretation skills, while fostering an appreciation of the cultural and historical contexts in which texts are produced. Students can expect to explore themes, characters, language, and structure, and to form independent, evidence-based responses. 

Curriculum Intent 

The GCSE English Literature curriculum aims to: 

• Develop confident, critical readers who can analyse a wide range of literary texts 

• Build strong written communication skills, including coherent argument and use of textual evidence 

• Encourage an understanding of social, historical, and cultural contexts 

• Foster a love of reading and appreciation of literary heritage 

• Promote key skills such as inference, evaluation, comparison, and independent thinking 

• Support resilience and academic confidence through extended writing and revision practice 

Curriculum Implementation 

How the curriculum is taught and organised: 

• Teacher-led modelling of analytical reading and essay writing  

• Regular use of guided discussion, questioning, and collaborative learning  

• Close reading of texts with a focus on language, structure, and form  

• Explicit teaching of exam techniques and essay structure  

• Integration of context and critical perspectives into lessons 

• Regular formative assessment (low-stakes quizzes, practice paragraphs, annotations) 

• Summative assessments based on Eduqas exam-style questions 

• Mock examinations in Year 10 and Year 11 

• Ongoing feedback focusing on improving analytical depth and clarity of expression 

Sequencing of learning 

• Year 10 focuses on building foundational knowledge of set texts and analytical skills 

• Poetry and unseen analysis skills are introduced progressively 

• Year 11 consolidates knowledge and focuses on exam preparation, revision, and refinement of techniques 

Assessment 

• Regular formative assessment (low-stakes quizzes, practice paragraphs, annotations) 

• Summative assessments based on Eduqas exam-style questions 

• Mock examinations in Year 10 and Year 11 

• Ongoing feedback focusing on improving analytical depth and clarity of expression 

Curriculum Structure 

Key Stage 4 

Year	Topics / Units	Key Knowledge & Skills
10	Shakespeare:  Romeo and Juliet.   19th-Century Novel: A Christmas Carol.   Poetry Anthology (Eduqas)	Understanding plot, character, and themes  Developing analytical writing   Exploring language, form, and structure  Contextual understanding  Single poem analysis and comparative poetry skills
11	Post 1914 Drama: An Inspector Calls.  Introduction to Unseen Poetry  Full course revision	Understanding plot, character and themes  Developing comparative analysis  Mastering exam technique and timing  Independent revision strategies

Exam Board and specification link: 
Eduqas GCSE English Literature (C720QS) 

Enrichment 

• Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge 

• Debate Club 

• Globe Players 

• Performing Shakespeare 

• Poetry by Heart 

• Poetry Slam