GCSE English Literature resources available for pupils studying independently

As GCSE students continue with their studies independently due to the school closures enforced as a result of COVID-19, Literature Wales has launched English Literature studying materials which are available to download here. These resources provide an in-depth analysis of the poems included in WJEC’s GCSE English Literature specification, and feature some of Wales’ greatest writers. Included in each information booklet is a biography of the poet, line-by-line and overall comments on the poem, links to further resources, and questions that can be used to challenge pupils to express their own opinions on the literature.

As stated in our Strategic Plan 2019-22, Wales’ Literature Culture is one of Literature Wales’ three activity pillars. We believe that celebrating our contemporary writers, as well as the literary heritage of Wales is of great importance. The GCSE specification includes work from distinguished poets such as R S Thomas, Gillian Clarke, and Owen Sheers. We believe that familiarising students with the work of well-known writers will inspire Wales’ young people to continue reading and writing themselves and will ignite their passion for literature.

We are committed to providing children and young people throughout Wales, regardless of background or ability, with the opportunity to participate in creative writing activities. Getting children involved in literature, to identify with the content they read and write and fall in love with words and stories, can have a lasting positive effect as they grow into adulthood. Based on this understanding that children and young people’s well-being can be improved through participation in literary activity, we believe that it is essential to ensure that these opportunities are available.

Both the materials for 2020 and 2021 can be viewed and downloaded from the Literature Wales website. These materials have been created to support both teachers and students in preparing for and in studying Unit 3, Section B: Welsh Writing in English. The material is easy to follow and is perfect for pupils to use to study independently.

NB: These resources are not endorsed by the WJEC and are not intended to replace any of the teaching resources created by the WJEC. Teachers’ notes and resources created by WJEC are available here.