A-Level Options Brochure_2024

English Literature Course content and structure Matthew Arnold described the study of literature as a

Syllabus Edexcel (9ETO): English Literature Entry requirements Grade 8 in GCSE English Literature and Grade 7 in GCSE English Language

selected from poetry, drama, prose or literary non-fiction. This component is worth 20% of the overall qualification, and consists of a single comparative essay of approximately 3000 words. Other notes Value of wider reading: A reading list is available on the English Department SharePoint site to assist pupils in preparing for this course. Attending stage productions and watching film or television adaptations of set and related texts is useful in developing critical vocabulary. Value of historical and cultural knowledge: The course requires an understanding of the heritage and historical context of the canon of English Literature. Visits to galleries and museums to research the relevant periods will enliven pupils’ work.

Section B: Pupils answer one essay question, from a choice of two, on A Streetcar Named Desire . Component 2: Prose Pupils study two texts unified by the theme of ‘Science and Society’: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale . • Formal Assessment – a written examination lasting 1-hour 15-minutes (20% of the overall qualification): Pupils answer one comparative essay question from a choice of two. Component 3: Poetry This component gives pupils the opportunity to make an in-depth study of poetic form, meaning and language. They read a selection of post-2000 poetry, including work by Seamus Heaney, Simon Armitage and AndrewMotion, and a selection of poems by John Donne. • Formal Assessment – a written examination lasting 2-hours 15-minutes (30% of the overall qualification): Section A: Pupils answer one comparative essay question, from a choice of two, comparing an unseen poemwith a work that has already been studied as part of the course. Section B: Pupils answer one essay question, from a choice of two, on John Donne’s poetry. Component 4: Non-examination Assessment Pupils make an intensive study of two texts, which may be linked by theme, movement, author or period. These may be

means of “getting to know…the best which has been thought and said in the world”. The English Faculty at Ibstock also takes this view. Our Sixth Form syllabus allows pupils to develop their knowledge and understanding of literature, to read with discernment, and communicate with precision. It fosters analytical and expressive skills that are greatly valued by the admissions tutors of leading universities, and which are highly transferable. Most importantly, however, our subject also provides an opportunity to study works of outstanding importance and beauty, and promotes a love of literature that will enhance our pupils’ lives. Please note that the specific texts named in each of the course components are those that are currently studied and are subject to change. Component 1: Drama Pupils study Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello alongside A Streetcar Named Desire by TennesseeWilliams. Shakespeare’s play is considered in the light of a stimulating selection of critical essays. • Formal Assessment – a written examination lasting 2-hours 15-minutes (30% of the overall qualification): Section A: Pupils answer one essay question, from a choice of two, on Shakespeare, incorporating ideas from their wider, critical reading.

University and careers links The specification is designed to provide an excellent foundation for the study of the subject and of related courses in Further and Higher Education. A number of pupils from Ibstock regularly go on to study English Literature at high-profile universities in the UK Likewise, the critical, evaluative, and analytical skills gained at A-level English Literature are highly regarded pre-requisites for courses in Law, the Humanities, and Languages. Former pupils who have gone on to study mathematics/sciences at university regularly report being at a significant advantage having studied essay-writing at A-level.

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