ENGLISH LITERATURE

Pupils develop important skills of close analysis, reasoned judgement and detailed and confident argument whilst also increasing their sensitivity to how language is used to shape meaning.

Studying literature is nothing short of studying life. In the pages of great books exist every kind of character, experience and emotion there is. In encountering these things, the reader is exposed to infinitely more situations than he or she could ever witness directly, is shown what the world looks like to different people in different circumstances and is challenged to consider (and maybe even reconsider) his or her own beliefs and values.

Studying English at A level, pupils are introduced to a wide range of novels, plays and poems from the medieval period to the present day. They are asked to think about their own responses to these texts as well as how the texts have been read by other people. Pupils develop important skills of close analysis, reasoned judgement and detailed and confident argument while also increasing their sensitivity to how language is used to shape meaning. An irreducible qualification for undertaking this course is a genuine commitment to reading texts of different genres and styles. Equally important is a willingness to discuss these texts with others: class discussion is a central element in how the course is taught.

There is no coursework component, although pupils do have the opportunity at the end of the Lower Sixth to write an extended essay on a text of their own choice. This essay involves the kind of independent reading and research that is typical of, and is certainly very useful preparation for, university study.

Richard Smith Head of English

Scheme Of Assessment

• Paper 1: Drama and Poetry

Pupils study one drama text and one poetry text. They answer one essay question on each text in the examination.

• Paper 2: Prose and Unseen

Pupils study one prose text and any number of passages of poetry, prose and drama selected by their teacher to learn how to respond to previously unseen material. In the examination, pupils answer one essay question on their prose text and one question on an unseen passage of poetry, prose or drama.

• Paper 3: Shakespeare and Drama

Pupils study one play by Shakespeare (for 2025, either Hamlet or The Taming of the Shrew) and one other play. They answer one essay question on each play in the examination.

• Paper 4: Pre- and Post- 1900 Poetry and Prose

Pupils study one poetry text and one prose text. One text must be from before 1900 and one text must be from after 1900. They answer one essay question on each text in the examination.