Teaching GCE English Literature skills
One of the most important aspects of studying English Literature at AS/A level is not only the study of the texts themselves but the skills required to analyse and write about those texts in a clear and coherent way. These skills, highlighted by the assessment objectives, do not stand alone either. Each of them needs to be woven into one another for learners to write informative, engaging and sophisticated literary essays. They are designed to be used in conjunction with one another so that learners can integrate some of the key skills of studying English Literature.
The online resources, written by WJEC Eduqas subject experts Stephen Purcell and Holly Harwood and published last year, contain lesson ideas, interactive and printable activities as well as revision material for teachers and learners alike.
Effective writing (AO1)
This resource enables teachers and learners to write effectively in exam conditions. Using interactive learning techniques which are useful for classroom-based activities as well as individual learning opportunities, these resources support learners in thinking clearly through examination questions, how to write effective introductions and conclusions and how to integrate the various AOs effectively. There is also support on how to write concisely and precisely, a key issue for learners in examinations.
Close textual analysis (AO2)
Learners can often find it difficult to move from a narrative approach in writing about a text to the more developed and nuanced analysis required to succeed. Encouraging learners to move from the more superficial approach to digging deep into the text, the activities seek to develop analytical skills through a variety of different interactive approaches. Ideal for the teacher as a classroom resource or for individual learners as revision, this resource can be used to develop reading skills, essay writing and examination techniques. It also guides the user in how to use close textual analysis for poetry, and drama (including Shakespeare) and can be developed to be used for prose. There are a number of printable activities which can form the cornerstone of a lesson or a series of lessons.
Approaches to different interpretations (AO5)
The resource has been designed to guide both teachers and learners on how to use different interpretations to enhance their understanding of literature. Through amplifying the different ways interpretations can be used and then exemplifying them through different resources, it allows candidates to explore and develop different approaches to dealing with varying interpretations of texts. There is also an interactive tool which enables learners to compare different interpretations and to begin to write their own material based on critical readings. This resource is useful for both classroom work and individual revision.
