GCSE English literature is perceived by many as not much more than reading old books. Those critics aren’t entirely wrong.
However, through reading those old books and analysing them, we gain valuable insight – almost like looking into the past.
By analysing the text and applying critical theory you can understand the writer’s political views, the challenges of the era and lots more.
English Literature is an opportunity to explore the written form, develop critical thinking skills and communication skills.
While English Language is usually the qualification most educational institutes ask for, qualifications in English literature are looked on favourably. In the main because of the strong analytical skills required to do well in the subject.
Moreover, if you want to study English at A Level and beyond, then GCSE English Literature will assuredly help you in your studies.
What you’ll learn
GCSE English Literature is an opportunity to explore the written form over the last 400 years. From Shakespeare’s Macbeth to the 21st Century poem, you study different texts to understand how literature (and language) has evolved.
You will also explore the 19th Century novel. This will serve as both a contrast against Shakespeare’s work and modern poetry, and a bridge between the classic and the modern.
As you progress through the course you will learn critical thinking and analysis skills. You will be encouraged to apply critical theory to your studies to better understand the author’s motives.
You will learn to consider context, environment and a host of other factors in order to better understand the themes, symbolism and characters in literary works.
The methods you’ll learn can be applied to other works, giving you a deeper understanding and appreciation for modern literature and film.
Your reading comprehension and writing skills – through structured essay writing – will also develop. These skills will be invaluable to you for your future learning and career.
If you partner your GCSE English Literature with GCSE English Language you will be able to apply the principles and methodologies you’ve learned across both subjects to your work.
This will allow you to communicate a far deeper understanding than if you studied just one subject.
Should you pursue your studies to A Level and university, you will build on these skills.
You will get the opportunity to study more complex texts and apply a broader range of theories in order to gain a deeper level of insight.
As your confidence grows so too will your ability to critique and write literature.
Why study English Literature
Studying English literature be it at GCSE or beyond opens you to a world of creativity and ideas.
It is an opportunity to discover how we as humans make sense of the world through the written form.
Whether that’s through storytelling, poems or plays, English Literature gives us insight into the reader’s mind, their view of the world, their politics and their life experiences.
It provides a social commentary on society, technology, economics, world politics and more.
The ability to read, interpret and understand literature on a deeper level is incredibly powerful. Not least of which because it will enhance your own ability to write and persuade.
Studying English Literature can lead to a number of rewarding careers including teaching, lecturing and a number of professional writing roles including:
- Digital copywriter
- Editorial assistant
- Lexicographer
- Magazine journalist
- Newspaper journalist
- Publishing copy-editor/proof-reader
You can also go into marketing or media, become an education consultant or learning mentor or move more towards academia.
Studying GCSEs through Distance Learning
Distance learning providers offer you the same nationally recognised GCSEs as a traditional bricks and mortar college.
So you can start your studies confident that when you pass, you will be adding to your own success. It will also help you work towards further and higher education.
GCSEs can also help to increase your earnings too.
Moreover, because the course is online, you can start studying straight away. No waiting for term time to start.
You also won’t have the headache balancing commitments to attend evening classes. Instead you can plan around work and home life and work towards your GCSE when you have the time.
Also, the material isn’t repurposed from a course intended for 14-16-year olds. The course is tailored for an adult audience and therefore the examples given will be far more relatable.
Between this and the flexibility to plan your studies, you have the opportunity to relax and actually enjoy the learning experience.
Furthermore, you can take up to 2-years to gain your qualification. Equally you can blitz through it in 6 months, it’s really up to you.
You will also be assigned a tutor to support you throughout your studies.
They will mark your assignments and provide you detailed feedback, so you know what areas require improvement. They will also be available to answer any questions you have about the material or provide guidance if you’re struggling with assignments.
Start your Learning Today
Whatever your plans are for the future, studying GCSEs is a good start. They are a nationally recognised qualification that will allow you to work towards university via studying A Levels or an Access to HE Diploma.
You also have the advantage that you can tailor your courses either to meet academic requirements or your personal areas of interest.
Whichever GCSE courses you opt for, Stonebridge Associated Colleges can help you in your studies. All you need to do is get in touch with a member of the sales team or enrol online. There are flexible payment terms available to help you spread the cost.
You will also have access to a dedicated tutor who will help you through the process. Check out our blog for useful tips on how to get the most out of your study experience.
Click below to check out our GCSE English Literature course and enrol today.
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