The English department offers two courses: English Language & Literature and English Literature (please scroll down for information about these courses).
English Language & Literature
Why study English Language and Literature?
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If you enjoyed English at GCSE but like the idea of something a little bit different, if you’re interested in studying non-fiction texts and speech transcripts as well as just literature, and you’re keen on doing some creative writing, then this would be a good course for you.
What will I study?
AS Units
Module 1: Speaking Voices (30% of total A Level).
Study of 2 substantial prose fiction texts.
Analysis of the representation of voice, comparing an extract from one prose fiction text with a passage of speech transcript.
Comparison of the importance of context on the representation of voice in a second fiction text and in one or more non-fiction, multimodal extracts.
Assessment is through a written examination.
Module 2: Changing Texts (20% of total A Level).
The study of one substantial text from any genre.
Exploration of chosen text and possibilities for multimodal transformation.
Production of own multimodal version of chosen text with supporting commentary.
Internally assessed coursework folder.
A2 Units
Module 3: Dramatic Voices (30% of total A Level).
Study of 2 drama texts one pre-1800 and one modern.
Comparative essay on the representations of power relationships across both selected texts.
Critical analysis and evaluation of the significance of contextual factors in relation to texts studied.
Assessment is through a written examination.
Module 4: Connections across Texts (20% of total A Level)
A detailed study of one substantial text from any genre in combination with other types of spoken and written texts.
Production of own text based on the study, with supporting commentary evaluating the outcome. Internally assessed coursework folder.
How will I study?
Teachers will use a variety of strategies in class to enable your learning, for example teacher-led lessons, drama, workshops, and presentations. You will need to be prepared to work in a group and be motivated to work individually. You must be capable of meeting deadlines.
What do I need to start the course?
B grades in both English GCSE and English Literature GCSE are required.
The Advanced Extension Award
The AEA in English is designed to provide opportunities for A grade candidates to demonstrate a greater depth of understanding than that required at A Level and to demonstrate the ability to think critically and creatively.
The AEA is offered to Year 13 students as an extra curricular course. It is of particular interest to students who achieve an A grade at AS Level and are considering English at degree level.
There is no prescribed content for study, rather the exam is based on a collection of diverse, unseen reading material centred on a given theme which may be topical or based on a specific period. The AEA is available to students studying either of the English A Level courses.
ENGLISH LITERATURE
Why study English Literature?
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If you enjoy reading and studying a wide range of poetry, prose and drama texts, and you want to develop your analytical skills as well as seeing the texts in the context of the time when they were written, then you will get a lot out of this course.
What will I study?
AS Units
Module 1: Poetry and Prose1800 � 1945 (30% of total A Level).
Study of a novel and a poetry text from different historical periods with a 1 hr 30 min written exam.
Module 2: Literature post-1900 (20% of total A Level).
Study of a 3 post-1900 texts from a variety of genres, resulting in two coursework essays.
A2 Units
Module 3: Drama and Poetry pre-1800 (30% of total A Level).
Detailed study of a Shakespeare play, one other drama text and one poetry text assessment is through a 2 hour written exam.
Module 4: Texts in Time (20% of total A Level).
The study of 3 texts from different genres and historical periods resulting in one extended essay of a maximum of 3000 words.
How will I study?
Teachers will use a variety of strategies in class to enable your learning, for example teacher-led lessons, drama, workshops, and presentations. You will need to be prepared to work in a group and be motivated to work individually. You must be capable of meeting deadlines.
What do I need to start the course?
B grades in both English GCSE and English Literature GCSE are required.
