English Literature

Course summary

Pupils who opt for English Literature at an advanced level should be keen readers and enjoy the challenge of writing detailed critical essays. The course will aim to advance pupils’ literacy and literary awareness to a high level, and they will be expected to read widely beyond the prescribed texts themselves. They will also have the opportunity to join in with events organised by the English Society, such as theatre trips into the West End, lectures with both in-house and invited speakers, the A Level Academic group, creative writing club and Editor’s Desk. Level pupils are also encouraged to support teaching staff in GCSE and Fourth Form Scholars groups. Each pupil is taught usually by two teachers who split the syllabus between them. They will help pupils to develop and hone their skills in critical reading, research and evaluation of the set texts. The contexts in which different literature is written will also feature heavily, ensuring coverage of genres as well as simply individual texts, their authors and the times in which they were written and received. The range of texts covered allows pupils to widen dramatically their literary experiences. They will be encouraged to contribute their ideas in class regularly, whether it be in the form of presentations, mini-seminars or general discussions. Regular essay writing will naturally be a feature, so the course will enhance very significantly their ability to write detailed, critical essays. Pupils will be expected and directed to wider reading, both about the set texts and for their curiosity.