English
AS and A2 English
The Advanced Level English Literature course entails, in addition to its timetabled lessons, a weekly minimum of three hours' preparation of a written exercise, such as an essay, a context or a detailed commentary. There is an additional standing obligation not only to be exploring the prescribed works, but also to be extending one's grasp of historical and critical studies of literature by assiduous, systematic wider reading and note-taking.
The new AS/A2 CCEA specification will consist of four units:
AS1: The Study of Drama (Shakespeare & 20th Century)
AS2: The Study of Poetry written after 1800 & The Study of Prose 1800-1945
A2-1: The Study of Poetry 1300-1800 & Drama (Tragedy)
A2-2: The Study of Prose - Theme Based (Outsiders)
English sets offer the benefits both of attention to the individual pupil and to group discussion. Usually not less than two and no more than three teachers with specialist knowledge undertake the tuition of a set. Group tuition and trained practice in both writing and discussion feature prominently throughout the course. Visits to theatres, conferences and public lectures are regarded as a most important opportunity for consolidation of aspects of an advanced course. Visiting academics also enrich the pupils' subject knowledge, as does the English Society's programme of lectures.
We will be expecting to offer a balance of external and internal (i.e. coursework) assessment procedures during the two years of the course. We further expect to take full advantage of the modular nature of the course.
The study of English Literature at advanced level is a wonderfully eclectic one. Not only do students consider the ways in which writers shape meaning and interpretation through their use of language, but they also reflect upon the contextual influences which impact upon a text’s production, transmission and reception. For instance students may consider how a writer’s personal background might have shaped their writing, or how a text endorses or indeed subverts the religious and political values of the age. Moreover, as part of their independent research, students will be expected to examine and reflect upon recent critical debates.
The reasons for studying English at an advanced level are varied. In essence, any form of literary criticism requires the ability to study evidence and then draw conclusions - following the right ideas, ignoring the potential cul-de-sacs and/or red herrings. The outline of this procedure would be familiar to both lawyers and managers.
So, although knowledge of Macbeth may never be a secure base for budding nuclear physicists, successful literature candidates will have demonstrated their capacity to be perceptive and to develop ideas and argument in a logical and organised manner. Indeed, in recent years a number of students have successfully combined English with two science subjects, and the new specifications allow students to experience a breadth of subjects rather than concentrate on narrow specialisms.