English Literature

Course summary

English is a vital subject in today’s rapidly changing world. It empowers young people to become confident, critical and creative communicators and discerning readers – particularly important skills in our media-driven society. English Literature, besides its academic value, also offers a uniquely rewarding and enjoyable experience, which pupils take with them for life. For avid readers of fiction, the course offers the opportunity to explore a range of influential literature from across the ages and to develop critical analysis skills in approaching this from a variety of perspectives. Through prose, poetry and drama pupils will learn to understand more about the cultural framework of the world they in live today, and how writers through the ages have sought to explore social issues via their work. WHAT STUDY SKILLS DO YOU NEED? • A genuine interest in reading, exploring and analysing a range of literary texts and critical perspectives, both within and beyond the course • Essay skills: writing critically and analytically and sustaining an argument • A desire to explore texts in depth through discussion and to undertake significant independent study to examine texts and their contexts You will develop your powers of expression, critical analysis and imaginative creativity through reading, writing and discussion. You will be able to communicate confidently in both speech and writing and develop as a sensitive and intuitive listener. You will appreciate great writing and its context, and explore issues relevant to your own life and experience by undertaking independent, as well as guided research, to prepare you for tertiary study. The English department offers two distinct courses at A level, either of which will be stimulating and enjoyable for those choosing predominantly Arts subjects, while providing interesting breadth and enhancement of written and oral communication, for those studying mainly science subjects.