English Literature AS

Course aims

The course aims to develop student's enjoyment of English Literature. It aims to help students become independent readers, with their own interests and views, who can talk and write in an informed and intelligent way about a wide variety of texts.

Course content
 
AS Outline
At AS, this specification will allow centres to construct a coherent course of study in one of three areas of study: Victorian Literature, World War One Literature or The Struggle for Identity in Modern Literature.  Candidates will study three texts (one of each genre) detail, plus three texts for wider reading and contextual support.  A suggested wider reading list is provided.

The AS specification has 2 units:  exam and coursework.  In addition students will study a wide variety of literature in preparation for the A2 course.

Commitment

There are five periods a week and students will also be expected to spend a great deal of time working independently outside lesson time.

Entry requirements 5 GCSE grades at A*-C, including GCSE English and English Literature. It is essential that students enjoy reading as it is the basis of the whole course. They should also enjoy talking and writing about literature. It is important that students discuss their prospects with their Year Eleven English teacher before embarking on the course.

 

English Literature (A2 Level)

Course aims

The course aims to further develop the skills fostered on the AS Level course. It seeks to produce independent students who enjoy reading a wide variety of Literature and who can talk and write about texts in an intelligent way.

Course content

At A2, the specification synthesizes the skills and learning of the whole course.  Candidates will prepare for a paper which will contain unprepared passages for close study, comparison and critical commentary on a theme (for the next five years this will be ‘Love through the Ages’). In Unit 4, candidates will be encouraged to reflect on ways of reading and writing about texts.
In addition students will study a wide variety of literature in preparation for the ‘A2’ course.
Students will study three modules which will be assessed by exam and coursework;

Commitment
 
There are five periods a week and students will also be expected to spend a great deal of time working independently outside lesson time.

Recommended combinations

English lends itself to many different combinations. The members of the English department will be happy to discuss the different combinations with you if necessary.

 

Entry requirements Students will need to have passed their AS Level in English Literature to gain entry to the 'A2' course.