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Bartholomews Tutorial CollegeBartholomews Tutorial College
    • Home
    • About Us
      • About Barts College
      • Our Staff
      • Student Success Stories
      • Reviews & Testimonials
    • Education
      • Subject-Specific Information
        • Business Studies
        • History A Level
        • Chemistry A Level
        • Economics A Level
        • Politics A Level
        • A and AS Level English Language
        • A and AS Level French
        • A and AS Level Geography
        • A and AS Level Maths Tuition
        • GCSE English Language
        • GCSE English Literature
        • GCSE French
        • GCSE Geography
        • GCSE History
        • GCSE Science
      • Course Information
        • GCSE Private Tuition
        • GCSE Retake Private Tuition
        • A and AS Level Private Tuition
        • A and AS Level Retake Private Tuition
        • IGCSE V GCSE
        • Careers in Medicine
      • Full List Of Subjects Available
      • Tuition
      • Monitoring Students’ Progress
      • Help With University Applications
      • Oxbridge Preparation
      • Examinations
      • Our Results
    • Studying At Barts
      • Course Fees
      • Term Dates
      • College Regulations
        • Online Safety and ICT Acceptable Use Policy
        • Safeguarding Policy
        • Complains and Appeals Policy
        • Exams Policy
      • Student Recreation
    • News
    • Register
    • Contact

    GCSE English Literature

    At Barts, we offer real flexibility when it comes to exam boards for English. While our English tutor’s preference is for Edexcel iGCSE, due to the option to have coursework count towards your grade, we can also teach towards AQA, OCR, and (regular) Edexcel. If you would like to stick to an exam board that you are familiar with, we will support and encourage that. However, switching exam boards for one reason or another is not uncommon and our tutors will support you with this transition.

    As with most other GCSEs, it doesn’t really matter what exam board you work towards, unless of course you have a preference – which we will support! The content you are taught across all exam boards for English Literature is broadly similar. You will likely study some of the following: a modern (after 1914!) text, a text from the 19th century, a collection of poetry including some unseen poems, and a Shakespeare play or other ‘literary heritage’ text. A common combination in most schools is: a Shakespeare play (heritage), An Inspector Calls (modern drama), the Poetry Anthology, and A Christmas Carol (19th C.).

    Some of the other options include: Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, The Merchant of Venice; The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, Kindertransport, A View from the Bridge; Pride and Prejudice, Great Expectations, The Scarlet Letter; To Kill a Mockingbird, Of Mice and Men, Things Fall Apart. And, of course, many other options.

    Through studying the above texts, you will learn to achieve the following objectives, which are actually how the examiners award marks in your exam:

    • Demonstrate a good knowledge and understanding of the text, using inference to engage with the text critically.
    • Analyse the text and the methods and techniques used by the writer to achieve particular effects and different meanings.
    • Compare and contrast texts.
    • Demonstrate an understanding of how the text’s context (when it was written and by whom and all the circumstances surrounding its creation) impacts on the text.

    Unlike in GCSE English Language, where there are some short-answer, low mark questions to ‘warm you up’, the exams and coursework are based on essay-style questions. There’s no definitive ‘amount’ to write – a question we often get asked! – but it is important that the skills in the objectives above are demonstrated confidently and consistently in your answers. With that in mind, you would probably want to aim for around 300-500 words for each of your answers. You will have around 45 minutes for each question though, so don’t let that scare you! These essay-style answers give you a better opportunity to really explore the text, to delve into it and enjoy the process of picking it apart and understanding it in greater detail. I mean, that’s the process that draws most Literature students to this subject, right?

    The questions themselves are usually fairly simple, and pretty open-ended. Here are some examples of the kinds of questions that often come up:

    • Explore the importance of [CHARACTER NAME] in the novel.
    • In what way is [THEME] important in the novel?
    • Explore the character of [CHARACTER NAME] in the novel.
    • How important is/are [THEME] in the novel.

    Or slightly differently, in that they begin with a statement made about the text:

    • “[THEME] is very important in the novel.” How far do you agree with this view?

    If you really think about the above questions, they are very similar. ‘Explore’, ‘in what way’, ‘how important is’ and ‘how far do you agree’ are all very open-ended and really just ask the student to explore something about the text. As you can see above, this will always be either a character (or characters) or a theme.

    Our tutor, Ant, has a driving passion for literature, is an avid reader and loves great stories. Even if Literature is not your first love, we have no doubt that Ant will instill some passion for reading in you through his infectious love for literature!

    If you would like to get in touch to discuss coming to Barts to study, for the first time or as a retake, English or any other subject for that matter, please do get in touch with us through our contact page.

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    Testimonials

    I came to Barts because I failed my A-levels at another college and was consequently unable to get to uni on the course I wanted (Biomedicine). After only a year at Barts I was able to turn my A-levels around (pretty astonishing considering it took two years to fail the first time I did them!). As a result of going to Barts, I was able get to Uni. In fact, I actually had a choice of where I wanted to go.

    Tobias Allen

    Being a student at Barts was brilliant. I felt like I was listened to by my teachers and supervisor, and made to feel comfortable and supported throughout my university applications and my studies.

    My teachers knew their subjects inside out and I felt reassured that I could get through the content before my exams.

    Phoebe Jones

    Barts were amazing. My son's tutor was perfect in every way, we couldn’t have asked for a more amazing chap to not only turn 2 C’s into an A star and an A grade, but also the level of care and support was beyond anything we could have hoped for. Barts is like a family that care for you from start to finish. When the experience is all all over, you miss them. I cannot recommend them more highly. A star Barts!

    Jo Miller

    My daughter attended Barts for tuition in one subject in year 13 whilst she was at sixth form college, as ill health was affecting her grades. Everyone at Barts was incredibly kind and supportive, and they were happy to work in a way that suited my daughter. Their sincere interest in their pupils was apparent from the very first meeting. I think it is a unique and exceptional place.

    Alison Cowley

    The one to one tuition allows you to get the most out of each lesson. While the socials and common room ensure that you are far from isolated. Your individual progress is monitored as the year goes on, helping to ensure and enable you to reach your full potential. Bartholomews proved to be everything I needed and more and I would sincerely urge others to consider going here.

    Paige Allen

    Barts have helped our family in so many ways. Mike was hugely supportive - he listened and supported in very different ways.

    I can't thank them enough. From extra GCSE learning support to an extra A level - the teaching was excellent and their approach always well suited.

    Paule Constable

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    enquiry @bartscollege.co.uk
    Tuition available Monday-Friday 9.00am-5.00pm

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