English Literature

Course summary

Literature, at its heart, reveals something of the mystery of the human condition; our existence is dependent on words and on a new generation to analyse and refashion them. There is no greater reason and necessity for the study of English. Many who take English A level do so because they see what they can become after two years of literary study: sharper thinkers; more rounded, empathetic citizens; and, above all, skilled communicators and writers. Overview, Teaching Approach & Higher Education Opportunities English Literature is an unparalleled foundation for any degree course. It is universally regarded as both a creative and rigorous academic discipline of special worth that opens doors to a wide range of careers, far beyond those traditionally associated with ‘English’. The impeccable communication and emotional intelligence Increasingly demanded by employers are among the many desirable attributes developed by English A-level pupils and undergraduates. The principal aim of the two-year course rests in pupils exploring literature from different cultural periods and emerging as confident, subtle analysts. The core focus consists of eight texts spanning poetry, prose and drama and ranging from established classics to contemporary writing. 20% of the full A level is devoted to coursework and pupils are supported in reading beyond the boundaries of the syllabus. The greater proportion of the two years involves seminar-type discussion based on the set texts, related works, critical techniques and attendant historical, social and political contexts. Pupils are taught by two members of staff who divide up the syllabus content according to areas of expertise and fields of research. Pupils undertake research and presentation tasks as well as responding to texts through essays: the structure and style of the latter form of assessment are the focus of concerted teaching and pupils develop high levels of articulacy orally and on paper. Further English The Further English course taught by two members of the English Department is a series of timetable lessons that are offered to all pupils wishing to study English at university. The course is designed to supplement A Level English Literature studies by introducing a mixture of canonical and contemporary texts and contexts (historical, literary and theoretical) which might not otherwise be taught. Pupils who will be applying to Oxford and Cambridge are given specialist advice in preparation for the ELAT test, but all pupils will be offered help and support in their university decision-making. English Societies There is a flourishing Literary Society (LitSoc), run by pupils with help from staff, which convenes regularly throughout the year and is attended by pupils from JAGS and Sydenham High. A lively and varied programme of readings and talks is given by pupils and staff as well as OAs and visiting speakers. Upper Case is a regular workshop for enthusiastic writers that produces professional-level work, with much of this being published by the department. Finally, the department takes full advantage of our proximity to London and other cultural centres, arranging theatre visits to support the taught curriculum.