English is a core subject studied by everyone until GCSE. The majority of pupils also study English Literature at GCSE. English Literature is taught at AS and A2.
As teachers of English we are aware that language is a crucial part of human experience, occurring in a vast range of contexts in both written and spoken form. In the English Department we encourage each child to recognise the vital importance of good communication and the empowerment this gives them. We believe that good language skills equip a child in many areas of life and help them to make sense of their world and through Literature, the worlds of others.
Children are given opportunities to talk and listen in a variety of contexts and for a range of purposes. These talks are presented in a fun, non-threatening way and are a part of the curriculum very much enjoyed by the pupils. We aim to build their confidence by creating many opportunities for them to prepare talks to be given to their class; this is an important skill for life beyond school.
They also read a wide variety of Literature, non -fiction and media texts, which develop their appreciation of different genres and styles, extend their ideas and their moral and emotional understanding. We also encourage wider reading to enrich their language skills and to make them think about the world they live in. Those who are keen readers are directed towards extra texts which may interest them. The benefits and pleasures of reading are actively extolled.
Pupils also have many opportunities to write in order to develop imaginatively, aesthetically and intellectually. They are encouraged to consider the point of view of others both orally and in their writing. We consider that accurate punctuation and spelling are important to meaning, so make this part of our teaching.
A Level classes are run on a seminar basis. They consist of small groups where there is often a lot of interaction within the group directed by staff where necessary. They are also encouraged to read around the subject using the resources in the Learning Resources Centre. This engenders an enquiring attitude and is excellent preparation for independent learning at university.
Work is marked regularly, praising what has been achieved and also suggesting ways to improve. Each child’s needs are met individually, so that the able are stretched and the less able are given helpful targets to help them achieve their potential. All are challenged to achieve their best. While each of us teaching in the English department have different teaching styles, we all aim to make our lessons a positive experience for our pupils. We believe in the importance of language as a tool to understanding and accessing the wider world and so work at making the delivery of the various courses an enriching experience.
Students will need to achieve good pass grades in GCSE English and English Literature. Those possessed of an enquiring mind and a passion for our linguistic heritage will relish the diversity of this course and will thrive on the creative qualities of this exciting subject. The intellectually curious will learn to express opinion with confidence, freedom and skill, revelling in the power of words and exploring a complex range of ideas from across the ages. Great Literature articulates the mystery of the human condition; our ability to explore our existence is dependent upon language and it is perhaps the responsibility of each generation to analyse and even refashion the words we use.
The AS and A2 courses in English Literature are designed to encourage wide reading and detailed research within the whole field of literary studies; they offer programmes of study that will be rewarding and enjoyable, and form a basis for further specialist work at degree level.
The principal aim of the 2 year course rests in students exploring different literary styles from different cultural periods and emerging as confident, subtle analysts. The core focus therefore consists of 12 texts ranging from Chaucer through Shakespeare to the modern age, representing the 3 significant genres of poetry, prose and drama.
The flexibility of the modular structure, encompassing both ‘open’ and ‘closed’ text, exams and written coursework, ensures that all candidates can benefit from a pluralistic approach to assessment and from a variety of study techniques. Naturally, there will be scope for charismatic readers to explore literature beyond the specifications and to be supported in their acquaintance with authors of specific personal interest.
In the Lower Sixth there is a 2½ hour exam which consists of two parts: Poetry and post 1900 (20% of full A Level) and Drama Post 1990 (10% of full A Level). The coursework is also in two parts: Prose Study (10% of full A Level) (1,500 words) requires candidates to write about two approved prose texts. The core text must be nominated from a prescribed list of authors writing from 1800-1945. The partner text can be taken from any period and should be used to illuminate and enhance the reading of the core text. The second part is Creative Writing (10% of full A Level) where candidates will be required to produce two pieces of written work (750 words each). The first will be a personal creative writing response, written in a specific literary genre, to wider reading of prose. The second will be a commentary on their creative writing response.
In the Upper Sixth, Coursework is 20% of the A Level. This is a synoptic paper of Period and Genre study (3,000 words). This consists of an exploration of three texts, two of which must be of different periods and genres. One of the texts must be prose, and one of the other two must be poetry. The third text may be taken from poetry, prose or drama. The 2 ½ hour examination is 30% of the A Level and comprises of Critical Reading of Poetry (15% of A Level). Candidates will be required to study in depth one pre-1800 poetry text. Candidates will answer one question from a choice of five. In their response to their selected question, candidates must include detailed analysis of their set text and close reference to any one of the five unseen poems or poetry extracts taken from any period which will be printed on the paper. (Closed text exam) and Shakespeare and Related Drama (15% of A Level). Candidates will be required to study in depth one core Shakespeare text and a designated partner text. Candidates will answer one question based on that pair. (Closed text exam).
Advanced English Literature is a splendid foundation for every Arts and Humanities degree course in Higher Education. It is universally regarded as a rigorous academic discipline of special worth for those interested in careers as disparate as journalism, publishing, media, research, teaching, politics, law, social work, personnel management, public relations and accountancy. As a degree course in its own right, English Literature is uniquely stimulating and massively popular among the A level student body; always over-subscribed, it is available in a variety of guises at all major seats of learning worldwide. Career Options include Journalism, Publishing, Media, Film & Television, Performing Arts, Politics, Law, Accountancy, Advertising, Marketing, Public Relations, Personnel Management, Research, Social Work, and Teaching.
07 February 2012