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 Edexcel specification will consist of six units:
- Drama and Poetry (open text)
- Pre 1900 Prose (closed text)
- Shakespeare in Context (coursework element)
- Modern Prose (coursework element)
- Poetry and Drama (open text)
- Criticism and Comparison (closed text)
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.
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 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.