A Level English Literature

The 'A' Level English Literature course at Teesdale is well established and has had excellent results for a number of years. We study AQA Specification A and as the course has a substantial coursework element this allows students to secure a proportion of their final mark before their exams. The flexibility of these units allows for students to address issues which interest them particularly in relation to the texts studied. This is a popular and successful course with a healthy take-up anticipated in 2006. We hope that studying Literature will open students' eyes to the world around them and to the different ways in which writers can mediate their own experience of that world.

Who will enjoy English Literature?

People who enjoy reading stimulating texts, enjoy expressing opinions and like to explore new ideas will find the course particularly rewarding. The skills that are necessary on this course are very similar to those needed at GCSE. The importance of framing sustained, detailed, well organised and well referenced essays lies at the heart of success. Work is done on the importance of planning and on the thinking that needs to happen about the texts.

Much of the class-work therefore revolves around discussion of aspects of texts. Students will often be asked to prepare work on specific issues so that they can come to the lesson prepared to contribute. This course will give you the confidence to pursue your own ideas based upon a good grounding in the text and its issues. The ultimate aim is for the teacher to be able to monitor the discussion rather than lead it.

What career paths can it lead to?

English Literature is a versatile and well-established 'A' Level qualification which can lead to a variety of careers and degree courses. This qualification is suitable for anyone who is considering a career working with the public. Journalism, Law, Teaching, Banking and Social Work are only a few of the areas where English Literature is useful.

The Structure of the Course

AS (Year 1)

Unit 1 - The Modern Novel

In this unit, candidates will study a whole novel chosen by the class teacher. The unit builds on and develops skills gained at GCSE. Students will discuss writers' methods in some depth - how character and atmosphere are created, the influence of the writer's choice of language on the reader, how symbolism affects our understanding of the text. This unit is tested by examination.

Unit 2 - Shakespeare Coursework

In this unit, candidates will study a Shakespeare play and then produce a 2,000 word essay on an area of the text that has captured their interest. Although they will be guided by their class teacher, the unit gives the flexibility to be both individual and creative. Again, it builds on many of the skills gained in coursework assignments at GCSE.

Unit 3 - Texts in Context

In this unit, students will study two texts in depth, one drama, one poetry - one from before 1900 and one after. Their knowledge and understanding will be tested in a terminal examination. The unit gives students an opportunity to look in depth at the social and moral contexts of works from different eras and to discuss and write about the ways in which authors are influenced by their surroundings.

A2 (Year 2)

Unit 4 - Texts in Time

In this examination unit, candidates build on the skills they have developed at AS. They study two texts, one pre 1770 play and poetry pre 1900.

Unit 5 - Literary Connections

In this coursework unit, candidates will study two self-selected texts with a view to making connections between them. They are free to negotiate their own title and the unit allows them considerable scope to be innovative and to follow their own interests. They will produce a 2,500 word essay in which they look closely at similarities and differences in the writers' working methods in the two linked texts.

Unit 6 - Synoptic Unit on the Literature of the First World War

This is an unseen exam paper in which candidates will be given a range of extracts - prose, poetry and drama connected to War in Literature and specifically literature, written on or about World War One. In order to prepare for this unit, similar extracts will be studied in depths in class focusing on how writers' style and treatment of content is influenced by war. Students are free to read around the topic pursuing their own interests.

Assessment Weightings

AS Examinations
Unit 1
1 hour The Modern Novel Closed book	30% of AS marks 15% of total 'A' level marks
Unit 2
Coursework Shakespeare	30% of AS marks 15% of total 'A' level marks
Unit 3
2 hours Texts in Context Open book	40% of AS marks 20% of total 'A' level marks
A2 Examinations
Unit 4
2 hours Texts in Time Closed book	15% of total 'A' level marks
Unit 5
Coursework Literary Connections	15% of total 'A' level marks
Unit 6
3 hours Reading For Meaning Unprepared texts	20% of total 'A' level marks

Entry Policy

Entry for AS and A2 modules will be dependent upon regular attendance, a commitment to the subject and successful performance in school-based assessment. The student must demonstrate that he or she is capable of fulfilling their realistic potential in that module. If this is not the case, the Head of Department will not enter the student for that module in that examination sitting. Students will be offered the opportunity to take the module at a later date. Should the student insist upon taking the module in that sitting against the advice offered, then it will be as a private candidate.