KS 5 - ENGLISH LITERATURE

Students study AQA English Literature Syllabus A (new specification). They become actively engaged with texts, realise the historical and social influences on literature and develop into discerning, informed readers.

Year 12 AS

Unit 1 “Texts in Context”

• Three alternative areas of study are offered:
  • Victorian Literature
  • World War One Literature
  • The Struggle for Identity in Modern Literature

• The aim of this unit is to encourage wide reading within the chosen option across all three genres and the close reading of a poetry text. Assessment is by 2 hour examination.

Unit 2 “Creative Study”

• As in Unit 1 candidates choose 2 texts for study from within the chosen option, 1 prose and 1 drama. These are supported by a substantial selection of wider reading texts. Assessment is by means of a coursework portfolio containing 2 pieces of writing.

Year 13 A2

The A2 course continues to offer students as much choice as possible in their reading and responses to the texts.

Unit 3 Reading for Meaning

• The topic for this unit is Love through the Ages and to prepare for the examination which contains unprepared passages for close study and comparison, students read a range of literature of love which should include;
  • The three genres of prose, poetry and drama
  • Literature written by men and women
  • Literature through time
  • Some non-fiction texts

Unit 4 Extended Essay and Shakespeare Study

• Students select three texts, one of which must be a play by Shakespeare and the other two, for comparison, may be of any genre
• Assessment is by coursework portfolio consisting of two pieces of work:
  • An extended essay (3000 words) comparing two texts of their choice, examining the writers’ craft and exploring interpretations
  • An essay on Shakespeare. Students will select an extract from the chosen play, write a detailed commentary on the passage and assess its significance

Course Books and Equipment

• The KS5 English Workbook
• Planner, pen, pencil, ruler, eraser

Events and Visits

• Theatre visits as productions are available
• War Graves of Ypres and Northern France

Key Dates