There are numerous opportunities to think independently, and discuss and argue literary and critical opinions. This development of analytical thinking, and willingness to consider different interpretations and listen and respond thoughtfully to others, is an ideal preparation for the seminar-style environment you are likely to encounter at university. You will develop sophisticated analytical skills which will prove invaluable in your personal and professional lives, whatever your plans. As well as the possibility of studying English itself, students also find English A Level useful for entry to a wide variety of other degree courses, such as Law, Politics, History of Art, and Anthropology. English opens many doors and does not close any. You will have the opportunity to study texts drawn from drama, prose and poetry in great detail. Not only will you explore the psychology of characters but you’ll also look at the motives of writers and the political, social and historical contexts in which texts were written and read. There are two main exam units on pre-1900 literature and the Gothic genre respectively. The texts you will study in depth are: – Hamlet (Shakespeare) – The Duchess of Malfi (Webster) – The Merchant’s Prologue and Tale (Chaucer) – Frankenstein (Shelley) – The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories (Carter) There are also two pieces of coursework to complete: a close-reading piece and a comparative essay. These pieces of work have a focus on the 20th and 21st century and cover poetry, prose and drama. Discussion-based lessons will emphasize the importance of independent reading and we frequently attend theatre and literary conferences. Recent Sixth Form trips included lecture days on the Gothic and Shakespeare, and students have attended Chaucer study days hosted by the Ashmolean Museum and Oxford University. There are extra-curricular seminars run by staff in the department, which encourage discussions on texts as varied as John Donne’s poetry to Rhys’ Wide Sargasso Sea. Meanwhile, our Sixth Form students run masterclasses, where those applying to read English at university deliver presentations on areas of literature that inspire them. We regularly host visiting lecturers from top universities and have author visits. Recent theatre trips have included King Lear at the National Theatre, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead at the Old Vic and The Duchess of Malfi at the Almeida Theatre. A successful English student should enjoy reading widely and engaging in discussions about their opinions on books. The idea of sitting and reading should feel like a treat rather than work! There are essays to complete, so being able to write in a clear and logical way is important; your teachers will help you clearly and logically, being prepared to contribute and listen to others are hallmarks of the very best English students.
About Education Provider
| Region | London |
| Local Authority | Ealing |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Girls |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Unknown |
| Sixth Form Fee | £23,895 |
| Address | 2 Cleveland Road, Ealing, W13 8AX |
There are numerous opportunities to think independently, and discuss and argue literary and critical opinions. This development of analytical thinking, and willingness to consider different interpretations and listen and respond thoughtfully to others, is an ideal preparation for the seminar-style environment you are likely to encounter at university. You will develop sophisticated analytical skills which will prove invaluable in your personal and professional lives, whatever your plans. As well as the possibility of studying English itself, students also find English A Level useful for entry to a wide variety of other degree courses, such as Law, Politics, History of Art, and Anthropology. English opens many doors and does not close any. You will have the opportunity to study texts drawn from drama, prose and poetry in great detail. Not only will you explore the psychology of characters but you’ll also look at the motives of writers and the political, social and historical contexts in which texts were written and read. There are two main exam units on pre-1900 literature and the Gothic genre respectively. The texts you will study in depth are: – Hamlet (Shakespeare) – The Duchess of Malfi (Webster) – The Merchant’s Prologue and Tale (Chaucer) – Frankenstein (Shelley) – The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories (Carter) There are also two pieces of coursework to complete: a close-reading piece and a comparative essay. These pieces of work have a focus on the 20th and 21st century and cover poetry, prose and drama. Discussion-based lessons will emphasize the importance of independent reading and we frequently attend theatre and literary conferences. Recent Sixth Form trips included lecture days on the Gothic and Shakespeare, and students have attended Chaucer study days hosted by the Ashmolean Museum and Oxford University. There are extra-curricular seminars run by staff in the department, which encourage discussions on texts as varied as John Donne’s poetry to Rhys’ Wide Sargasso Sea. Meanwhile, our Sixth Form students run masterclasses, where those applying to read English at university deliver presentations on areas of literature that inspire them. We regularly host visiting lecturers from top universities and have author visits. Recent theatre trips have included King Lear at the National Theatre, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead at the Old Vic and The Duchess of Malfi at the Almeida Theatre. A successful English student should enjoy reading widely and engaging in discussions about their opinions on books. The idea of sitting and reading should feel like a treat rather than work! There are essays to complete, so being able to write in a clear and logical way is important; your teachers will help you clearly and logically, being prepared to contribute and listen to others are hallmarks of the very best English students.