Sixth Form Handbook 2022-24

ENGLISH LITERATURE

Course content and structure Matthew Arnold described the study of literature as a means of “getting to know…the best which has been thought and said in the world”. The English Faculty at IPS 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. Component 1: Drama Pupils study Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello alongside A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams. Shakespeare’s play is considered in the light of a stimulating selection of critical essays. • Formal Assessment – awrittenexamination lasting 2¼ hours (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. 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 – awrittenexamination lasting 1¼ hours (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 the former Poet Laureate, Andrew Motion, and a selection of poems by John Donne. • Formal Assessment – awrittenexamination lasting 2¼ hours (30% of the overall qualification): Section A: Pupils answer one comparative essay question, from a choice of two, comparing an unseen poem with 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: Coursework Pupils make an intensive study of two texts, which may be linked by theme, movement, author or period. These may be 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 website 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.

University and careers links The English Literature A-Level course is ideal for those considering reading Humanities or Creative Arts subjects at university. The study of literature helps to prepare pupils for careers in law, journalism, media or publishing and is an enriching subject for those pupils studying the three Sciences.

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