Lesson Structure

Group work – discussion

Presentation

Research

Writing workshops

Formal teaching

University visits/lectures

Seminars

Assessment Pattern

Year 1

Paper 1 – Language and the Individual

  • Analysis of two texts on a common theme, focusing on meanings, representations and contexts.

Paper 2 – Language Varieties

  • A discursive essay about language diversity (gender, occupation, dialect)
  • A directed writing task about attitudes to language.

Year 2

Paper 1 – Language, the Individual and Society (40%)

  • Analysis of two texts on a common theme (one is an older text) using the concepts for language analysis.
  • Discursive essay on children’s language development.

Paper 2 – Language Diversity and Change (40%)

  • An evaluative essay on diversity or change.  This explores debates about social attitudes to language and includes topics such as gender and dialect.
  • An analysis of how two texts use language to present ideas, attitudes and opinions.
  • A directed writing task.

Coursework – Language in Action (20%)

  • A language investigation exploring and analysing language data independently.
  • A piece of original writing and commentary.

Extra Information

This course offers clear skills progression from GCSE with exciting text and data-based sources of language in its various forms and contexts. The variety of assessment styles used, such as data analysis, discursive essays, original writing and research-based investigative writing, allows students to develop a range of skills.  These include critical reading, data analysis, evaluation, the ability to develop and sustain arguments and a number of different writing skills which are invaluable for both further study and future employment. Career opportunities: Print journalism, public relations, teaching, the media (TV & radio), the civil service and publishing.

Course Content

Component 1: Drama

“Hamlet” by William Shakespeare and “A Street Car Named Desire” by Tennessee Williams.

Component 2: Prose

Two texts studied on the theme of “Colonisation”: “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain and “The Lonely Londoners” by Sam Selvon”.

Component 3: Poetry

Studies will be based around a collection of modern poetry (post 2000) and romantic poetry.

Component 4: Coursework

Free study of texts.

A unit of work on Gothic fiction will be studied to support this. Texts read will include “The Wasp Factory” by Iain Banks and “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley. 

Lesson Structure

Group work – discussion

Presentation

Formal teaching

Student teaching

Theatre visits

Assessment Pattern

All assessments will be completed in the summer of Year 13.

Component 1 – written 2 hour examination (open book)

Component 2 – written 1 hour examination (open book)

Component 3 – written 2 hour examination (open book)

Component 4 – coursework assignment of 2500 – 3000 words

Extra Information

The course will stimulate your enthusiasm for the study and enjoyment of literature whilst developing your skills of critical reading, writing and communication. Career opportunities: Law, teaching, management, journalism and media. English Literature is a facilitating subject for the Russell Group universities.