ENGLISH LITERATURE (Edexcel)
We take the Edexcel A level course in English Literature which consists of four units, the first two of which may be taken as an AS level. In the first year we study two Shakespeare plays, a selection of poetry from all periods, a Jane Austen novel and other modern prose and critical works. In the second year we add at least five more texts in poetry, prose and drama. There is a wide choice available and texts will be selected according to the interests and expertise of the A2 class. In each year there is comparative work with the aim of exploring the relationships between texts and to appreciate the significance of cultural contexts on readers and writers.
We hope that, after the two year course with us, girls will have acquired the ability to pass the A level examination with a very high grade and, with this syllabus, could also gain an AS qualification after one year. They will also have developed an awareness of the English literary tradition, skills in critical analysis and an enjoyment of great literature which will serve them for the rest of their lives. Much of the work done during the UT and Shell years (Years 10 and 11) is a foundation for A level as well as GCSE coursework.
We take every opportunity to see productions of set and related texts in Oxford, London or Stratford and also attend a conference held in London which enables the students to hear lectures from some leading academics. However, the main focus of the course is written work and we also expect independent reading and research. Weekly essays and other written pieces are set and during the course the girls are helped to develop fluent and mature written style and an ability to construct relevant, detailed and cogent arguments. These are skills which are invaluable at University level for many subjects.
We hope to teach by a constant but almost imperceptible refining of students’ responses through written work and discussion. They are encouraged to understand and challenge their own responses and gradually lessons become an opportunity for exchanging different attitudes and ideas. We think that, with growing confidence and experience, our students are able to approach the examinations prepared in both factual content and attitude, with confident critical skills and secure written expression. We have been delighted with the level of passes and high grades achieved in the past, but we are pleased most of all by those girls who have appreciated and enjoyed their studies here.
Ms M. Crawford B.A. (Hons), CertEd.
Miss B. Sherlock B.A. (Hons), M.Ed, PGCE
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