English Literature
Contact : Ms S Stone Email : stones @ pocklingtonschool . com
Course : A Level English Literature Exam Board : OCR
An established academic subject , and one of the Russell Group ’ s ‘ facilitating subjects ’, English Literature is the study of drama , prose and poetry through technical and contextual analysis . A familiar subject to most , the new texts can be more challenging and need to be pored over in more detail . Conversely , they will be covered more quickly , and will be need to be read in light of critical material as well as an awareness of different contexts of production and reception . A love of reading analytically is therefore a prerequisite .
Close behind is willingness to discuss : the English Literature classroom should be a forum for vigorous , knowledgeable and passionate debate . Students will be examined on texts old and new , prepared-for and unseen ; with all of them , they must be willing to explore , comment and argue , both on paper and in person .
Social , historical , cultural , literary and religious contexts contribute to our understanding of texts . You as a critic need to be aware of your own assumptions , biases and perspectives too . English Literature asks you to know yourself .
CONTENT OF COURSE
The OCR specification asks you to : Read widely and independently Engage creatively with a substantial body of texts and different ways of responding to them
Develop and apply knowledge of literary analysis and evaluation Explore the contexts of the texts as well as others ’ interpretations
COURSE ENTRY AND QUALIFICATIONS
Students must be able and willing to devote time to reading and have achieved at least a grade 6 at GCSE / IGCSE English Literature or English Language . They must be willing to play an active role in classroom discussion and engage in academic debate . As assessment is largely ( 80 %) through timed essay writing , students must be self-motivated writers and ready to develop their technique . Academic qualifications for the course are the same as the school Sixth Form requirement .
ENGLISH LITERATURE AS A QUALIFICATION FOR FURTHER STUDY AND CAREER OPTIONS
The Russell Group names English Literature as academic preparation for courses ranging from American Studies to Media Studies and Politics to any number of modern languages . Potential occupations range from the traditional ( law , teaching ) to newer options ( journalism , marketing ) as well as many more . A strength of English Literature as an A level is that it is perceived as a strong academic choice , but one that leaves you options for the next stage of your education .
COURSE OUTLINE
A level ( examining all components of the 2 year course )
PAPER CONTENT MARKS AVAILABLE
Component 1 : Drama and poetry pre-1900 2½ hour written paper , closed text 40 % of qualification
Component 2 : Comparative and contextual study 2½ hour written paper , closed text 40 % of qualification
Component 3 : Literature post-1900 Non-examined assessment 20 % of qualification
24
Section 1 Shakespeare Section 2 Drama and Poetry Pre-1900
Close reading of unseen extract in chosen topic area Comparative and contextual study from a chosen topic area
Close reading OR re-creative writing piece with commentary Comparative essay ( coursework )
60
60
40 ( in total )