English Literature - AL

Unit 1: Prose and Drama
External 2 hour, closed book examination in the summer

Section A: Prose fiction pre 1900 – 20%of full qualification

For this module, you will study the novel Jane Eyre by the renowned writer Charlotte Brontë. You will also learn how to read this prose text in a variety of ways and how to respond critically and creatively. Students will use literary critical concepts with understanding and discrimination and will begin to identify and consider how attitudes and values are expressed in texts. Pupils will also learn to consider the cultural and contextual influences on readers and writers.

Section B: Drama

For this part of the course, you will study A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams.  You will learn how to respond critically and creatively to this drama text and to draw on your understanding of different interpretations in responding to and evaluating this text. Students will also gain knowledge on how to write in an appropriate academic style.

Unit 2: Poetry Post-1900 – 20% of full qualification
External 2 hour, open book (clean copy) examination in the summer.

For this module, you will study the poetry of the renowned writer Seamus Heaney, covering a variety of poems from the collection of work called Field Work. Paired with this text, you will also be studying the poetry of Welsh Poet, Owen Sheers and his collection of poems in Skirrid Hill. 

You will learn how to analyse how meanings are shaped in poetry texts and the ways in which writers adapt structure, form and language in poetry for effect.  You will also learn how to identify and consider how attitudes and values are expressed in poetry, drawing on your understanding of different interpretations.

A2

A2 English Literature follows on from AS and covers the following three modules:

Unit 3 – Poetry pre-1900 and unseen poetry - 20% of qualification

The pre-1900 poetry text studied for the course is Chaucer The Merchant’s Prologue and Tale. Students will also have the opportunity to approach poems or extracts in a personal and engaged way that have not been previously set for study as part of the course.  There will be a written examination of 2 hours.

Unit 4 – Shakespeare – 20% of qualification

The set text for this unit is King Lear by Shakespeare. Students will answer one extract-based question from the play and one question from a choice of two on the same text. There will be a written examination of 2 hours.

Unit 5 – Prose Study - 20% of the qualification

Non-exam assessment: 2500-3500 word assignment

The emphasis in this coursework unit is placed on independent reading and research. Students should submit a 2500-3500 word assignment based on the reading of two prose texts by different authors, one published pre-2000 and the other published post-2000.  Possible texts are: Atonement by Ian McEwan and Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte.

Exam Fee: £90.00

Part-time enrolment fee: £30.00

Course Fee: £530.00

• A minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade A* - C including English Language and Maths.
• Interview.

Individual subjects may require higher grades. 
Mature learners without these qualifications may be accepted after an interview with the subject tutor.

TBC

• Three written exams coursework and assessment

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