Subject : English Literature

Awarding body:  Edexcel:

English Literature Advanced Subsidiary AS (8ET01)
English Literature Advanced GCE A2 (9ET01)

Course content and examination requirements:

The course aims to develop students’ interest in and enjoyment of literature and literary studies as they read widely and independently set texts and others that they have selected for themselves. Students both develop and apply their knowledge of literary analysis and evaluation and explore the contexts of the texts they are reading and others’ interpretations of them. By A2, students should be able to show knowledge and understanding of the functions and effects of writers’ use of language, form and structure in texts; the interpretation of texts by different readers over time; how texts relate to literary traditions, movements and genres; and the cultural and contextual influences affecting readers and writers.

The English Department aims to incorporate a range of methods into teaching and learning including group work, presentations, film, lectures, theatre or other visits as appropriate, the use of IT, as well as individual reading, research and writing. In addition to lessons, students will be expected to complete about six hours of independent study a week.

Year 12 - AS Units Year 13 - A2 Units (full GCE)

Unit 1:
Explorations in Prose and Poetry (6ET01)

Two hours and fifteen minutes
60% of the total AS marks ( 30% of the total GCE)

Section A: Unseen poetry or unseen prose, short answer response
Section B: Poetry essay response (from a prescribed anthology)
Section C: Prose essay response ( from pairs of prescribed novels e.g. “Jane Eyre” + “The Wide Sargasso Sea”)

Unit 3:
Interpretations of Prose and Poetry (6ET03)

Two hours and forty five minutes (clean texts)
60% of the total A2 marks (30% of the total GCE)

Section A: Unprepared prose or poetry
Section B: Analytical essayAt least one text written after 1990 e.g. “The Kite Runner” and two texts to include both prescribed prose and poetry

Unit 2:
Explorations in Drama (6ET02)
Internally assessed  (externally moderated) coursework

40% of the total AS marks (20% of the total GCE)

2,000-2,500 words maximumTwo responses: explorative study and creative critical response on a play by Shakespeare and a further play written between 1300-1800.

Unit 4:
Reflections in Literary Studies (6ET04)

Internally assessed (externally moderated)
coursework

40% of the total A2 marks (20% of the total GCE)

One text to be studied in detail with 2 other linked texts of the centre’s choice as a synoptic unit.

Entry requirements:

GCSE English and GCSE English Literature – Grade A minimum.
Students should have a genuine interest in reading and literature, whilst also having the motivation for independent study.

Relevance to further studies and careers:

English Literature is universally recognised as a valuable and versatile A level by institutions and employers because of the transferable skills it develops. As an AS subject, it can be a good choice to enhance three Mathematics and Science subjects for candidates seeking to broaden their studies in preparation for careers in, for instance, Medicine. Traditionally, it can be combined with many other subjects, especially the Humanities and  Modern Foreign Languages as an A2 subject and is often recommended for those wishing to take up a Legal career. 

Teaching staff / further information:

Mrs M Turner
Ms M Fisher

 

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