English Literature

The course aims to give students the opportunity to enjoy the study of a range of literary texts which provide intellectual and emotional challenge.
A level English Literature students will be required to demonstrate:
· an ability to respond with understanding to texts of different types and periods;
· an understanding of the ways in which writers’ choices of form, structure and language express meanings;
· a knowledge of the historical and social contexts in which literature is written and understood;
· an ability to discuss their own and other readers’ interpretations of texts;
· an ability to produce informed, independent opinions and judgements;
· an ability to communicate clearly the knowledge, understanding and insight appropriate to literary study.

A good A level English student must:
· enjoy reading
· enjoy going to the theatre and cinema
· enjoy active participation in discussion
· be prepared to think through ideas
· work in a group, sharing and contributing ideas
· be open and flexible

Specification content

The term ‘Syllabus’ has now been replaced with the description: ‘specification’.
The examination board and type of examination have yet to be decided. However, all boards now offer an ADVANCED SUBSIDIARY GCE in English Literature and a full ADVANCED GCE in English Literature. The Advanced Subsidiary course and qualification provide an opportunity to broaden students’ post -16 education as well as a basis for progression to the full Advanced GCE.
Advanced subsidiary GCS is done within the Lower Sixth Year. It comprises three modules, two of which are assessed by examination, the third by written assignment. A2 modules may pursued in Upper Sixth, the results of which, combined with the AS results, amount to a full Advanced GCE in English Literature.
The study of this subject at AS or A2 GCE level will provide its students with an opportunity to access a range of courses in Further and Higher Education and to develop a platform to engage in Lifelong Learning.
Key Skills
The study of English Literature includes opportunities for developing the key skills of Communication, Information Technology, Improving Own Learning and Performance, Working with Others and Problem Solving.
Careers Implications
A level English opens doors to all careers, not just the obvious ones such as journalism, law, teaching and media. A level English provides students with the opportunity to discuss, argue, persuade, listen and evaluate - these are skills which are highly recognised in all areas of life.

Theatre Studies

Introduction

The main aim of this course is to encourage in students a critical and sensitive response to the complexities of theatre.
Students will be required to engage in practical performance (Acting/Improvisation/ Theatre in Education) and will also have to sit written examinations. In examination, students will be assessed on their ability to organise and present information, ideas, descriptions and arguments clearly and logically, taking into account their use of grammar, punctuation and spelling. Examination answers will be in continuous prose and will be assessed on their quality of language, structure and clarity of expression.
Set Texts will be studied from a performance perspective, giving consideration to the themes and issues raised by the play, its structure and use of language but avoiding a purely literary approach.
Students will be required to research the work of Theatre practitioners who have influenced the development of the 20th Century theatre and to critically appraise their methods and theories based on the students’ own practical experience of rehearsal and performance.
Students will also be expected to make regular visits to see live theatre.
In the AS course (year 13, students should develop as confident and independent interpreters of drama and theatre.
In the A2 course (year 14), students will broaden and deepen their knowledge, skills and understanding. They should be able to appreciate and make connections between different theatre practices and dramatic forms and to comment analytically upon their significance.

The combined As and A2 courses will make up a full A Level course.

AS Unit 1 Practical 20%
Students are expected to work in groups to create and present an original piece of drama for an audience. Each group must be self-contained and totally responsible for all aspects of the drama.
Minimum preparation time 40 hours.
Students are required to maintain a personal portfolio (2000 words), detailing the process of the creation of the devised piece of drama, outlining, in particular, their contribution to the genesis and development of the piece.
The practical and the portfolio will be externally moderated.

AS Unit 2 Written Paper 15%
Students will be required to answer two essay type questions, one on each set text. Access to annotated texts is allowed.

AS Unit 3 Written Paper 15%
Students must answer one question demonstrating their knowledge and understanding of the work and significance of a theatre practitioner of their choice.

They must also answer one question on a live theatre production seen during their course. Answers will refer to aspects of directorial interpretation and production elements.

A2 Unit 4 Practical 20%
Students will again work in groups to prepare and present an effective interpretation of scenes from a play text.
Minimum preparation time: 50 hours.
A 3000 word portfolio will also be expected.
External moderation will take place as with AS level.

A2 Unit 5 Written Paper 15%
Students will be expected to answer two essay questions, one on each set text prescribed for this level of study.

A2 Unit 6 Written Paper 15%
Students will answer one essay question on a theatre practitioner prescribed for this level of study.

Students will also be expected to interpret an exact or extracts from an unseen play/ They will be required to answer two questions in this section.