English Literature

Course summary

A personal voice is a necessity... From 2015, we will be offering the OCR A Level, a 2 year linear course in English Literature. Over the two year course, students will study for paper 1 Shakespeare, pre 1900 drama such as The Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen and pre 1900 poetry. For paper 2 they will study two texts related to dystopian fiction, such as The Road by Cormac McCarthy, as well as an unseen passage analysis relating to this theme. The course has three assessments: two examinations and one coursework folder, which will consist of a creative piece and a comparative essay. Coursework texts will include poetry, prose and drama texts, all post 1900. Students will be expected to complete a significant amount of reading outside lesson time; we want them to approach the course with independence, enthusiasm and creativity. Apathy is not an option. An independent approach is essential; students will find the course more rewarding when they work this way. Critical thinking and other opinions are also crucial to assessment and we encourage students to take advantage theatre and cinema trips, lecture visits and university workshops. If students are absent, they must catch up work missed. Excellent attendance is one of the keys to success. The course promotes informed, independent and autonomous reading. Ideally, they will become exploratory literary critics, pursuing their own interests and tracing connections between texts. Our aims: To Inspire and encourage our students to read widely and enjoy a variety of texts from a number of different periods and genres, To develop their skills in reading and analysis, To encourage our students to become sensitive readers of literature, To prepare students for University courses, To encourage independence of thought and independent study.