English Literature at AS and A2 is an enjoyable and challenging discipline which combines successfully with all subjects, even sciences. The course will appeal to those who have an interest in reading a wide variety of literature from the past and present, by both British and American authors; who enjoy expressing their opinions and developing independent ideas; who would be stimulated by a subject which draws upon their own experiences; and who want to keep their options open for further study: English Literature is a popular qualification for a wide range of courses in higher education.
Candidates currently follow the OCR specification. The course develops skills which are useful in all careers: the ability to read critically and discerningly, accurate and persuasive writing and speaking, and confidence in one’s own judgments. During the course, pupils are encouraged to develop their interest in and enjoyment of literature, to communicate effectively, both in discussion and writing, to compare texts and to understand the cultural and historical influences on them. These skills are further developed in the A2 course which provide candidates with more challenging texts to study, including Shakespeare.
Candidates should ideally have a good GCSE grade in the subject, but even with a modest grade they will have a reasonable chance of securing a respectable A Level grade, given adequate commitment over two years.
AS English Literature (OCR H071)
Unit One (F661) Poetry and Prose 1800-1945 For this closed text examined unit, pupils will study two core texts: either selected poetry of Wilfred Owen or William Wordsworth and either Pride & Prejudice or The Great Gatsby. Their reading of these texts will be complemented by a course in literary appreciation and their own wider, independent reading, which will be guided by the department.
Unit Two (F662) Literature Post-1900 For this coursework unit, pupils will study three texts and complete two tasks: a close critical analysis of a passage on one texts of 1000 words and a 2000 word essay comparing the two other texts around genre, theme or context.In 2008-9 pupils studied three of the following texts:
Selected poetry of Seamus Heaney
Selected poetry of T.S. Eliot
Tennessee Williams: A Streetcar named Desire
Arthur Miller: The Crucible
Tom Stoppard: Arcadia
Ian McEwan: Atonement
Michael Ondaatje: The English Patient
(comparative essays included topics such as historical writing, fragmented societies and the role of the imagination)
A2 English Literature (OCR H471)
Unit Three (F663) Drama and Poetry Pre-1800 For this closed text examined unit, pupils will study three core texts: a Shakespeare play, either Othello or Twelfth Night forms the first half of the unit and the second requires pupils to compare a drama with a poetry text: either The Duchess of Malfi with selected poetry of John Donne or Dr Faustus with The Pardoner’s Tale.
Unit Four (F664) Texts in Time For this coursework essay, pupils are required to produce an extended essay of 3000 words, which compares three texts around genre, theme or context. Teaching of the three texts will be shared, but pupils will be allocated a coursework tutor to supervise and guide their work.
The English Department also seeks to foster creative talent outside the curriculum. Sixth form pupils, whether they study English or not, are encouraged to enter the annual Senior Reading Competition, write for the school magazine, The Reptonian and become involved in the Literary and Debating societies. The School Library has an excellent collection of critical works and a stock of fiction to cater for a wide range of tastes.