THE TEAM

Mr S Crome	Teacher of English and Deputy Head
Mrs E Fraser	Assistant Head of English and Coaching Sixth Form Lead
Mrs C Johnson	Teacher of English and ECT and ITT Lead
Mrs K Steady	Teacher of English and Head of Year 12
Mr E Martin	Teacher of English

INTRODUCTION TO THE DEPARTMENT

At Key Stage 5, we offer both English Language and English Literature A Levels examined through AQA. English Literature is a challenging subject which offers a range of opportunities for students to develop their breadth of knowledge and appreciation of classical literature.

WHY STUDY ENGLISH LITERATURE?

A challenging and exciting subject, English Literature offers a range of opportunities for students to develop their literary skills. Through the study of novels, plays and poems students explore conventions of genre. Students have the opportunity to critically analyse, evaluate writers’ intentions and reflect on a range of contemporary and historical issues.

This specification encourages students to understand how narrative works, to look at genre and to learn about critical approaches to texts. Students discover how central narrative is to the way literary texts work and they are introduced to the different aspects of genre. Encouraging wide and independent reading, the course also considers different types of critical approach and how texts can reflect cultural meanings.

FUTURE ACADEMIC AND CAREER PATHWAYS

Journalism, teaching, publishing, advertising and PR, marketing, law business and arts administration. Essay writing and critical thinking skills also lend themselves to further education. 

COURSE CONTENT

Students will be studying the AQA English Literature B syllabus.

Year 12

In year 12 students study the modern genre of crime writing. We explore three texts through the thematic lens of Crime: Atonement, Brighton Rock and the poetry of Browning, Wilde and Crabbe. Students will also be asked to analyse an unseen extract. Throughout the year students study a prose text of their choice and use the critical anthology to apply theories such as: Feminism, Marxism, Eco-criticism and Post-Colonialism. 

Year 13

In Year 13 students study the tragic genre, exploring Othello, Tess of the D'Urbervilles and Death of a Salesman. Using these texts, students will debate authorial methods such as: characterisation, point of view, setting, voices and the writer's message. Students will choose a poetry collection of their choice and continue to apply the critical anthology theories to their second and final NEA essay. 

ASSESSMENT

40% Paper 1: Literary Genres

40% Paper 2: Texts and Genres

20% NEA: Theory and Independence

EXTRACURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES

• Theatre visits

• Higher education experiences through workshops and lectures

• Cinema adaptations

• Exploration of local sites of literary value

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Grade 6 in GCSE English Language and Literature is required. The most important skill is the ability to write accurately and coherently. It is also important to be able to read texts closely and to use a variety of literary terms and expressions.