A-LEVEL English

ENGLISH A LEVEL - ENGLISH LITERATURE

INDUCTION

The Department Induction Programme recognises that there are important differences between English at KS4 (GCSE) and English Literature at A Level. There is more to read in more detail and more will be required in terms of the student's own personal response.

Sixth Formers are given a copy of the Syllabus at the start of the course. This will outline the aims of the course, list the texts for study and give details of the criteria by which work is assessed. Examples of essays and extended studies, written by former students, will be looked at to help students to see the level of reading and type of essay required of them.

The programme introduces students to some of the important considerations of Literary Criticism : the value of Literature, the relevance of historical and social background, the importance of form and style and so on. This work is based on the study of a number of texts which are chosen to provide an outline of the History and Development of English Literature.

ü	SYLLABUS
	Eight books are studied in some detail. There will be two drama texts, one of which will be by Shakespeare, two novels and two collections of poetry. Your reading will involve works written before 1900 as well as contemporary texts. Two texts will be the students own choice of text for an extended study.

SKILLS REQUIRED

We expect an A Level English student to be interested in reading and prepared to devote a good deal of time to it. An interest in Drama, music of all kinds and the other arts in general, is useful : essentially what is required is a lively interest in people and ideas. Teaching groups will be hopefully small and a great emphasis will be laid on contributions to discussion and a willingness to consider the responses of others in the group.

METHODS OF ASSESSMENT

There are three final exams. Drama, Fiction and Poetry. These will test your reading of the six set texts. The Fiction and Poetry exams will also include passages for Appreciation. These ‘unseen’ passages will test your knowledge of literary forms and techniques as well as your ability to read closely and with sympathy.

The extended study is assessed as Coursework and is externally moderated.

CAREER IMPLICATIONS

Direct vocational opportunities include : teaching, journalism, advertising, the theatre, communications, but nothing is really excluded. The sympathy and insight that the study fosters, plus the ability to express oneself fluently and to handle abstract ideas with confidence, should stand a student in good stead for a wide variety of careers ....sociology, psychology, politics, law, personnel management ....