English Language and Literature

Course summary

A qualification in English Language and Literature will give any student access to a wide range of opportunities at the degree level. As a subject that emphasizes creativity, disciplined thought, and communication English is welcomed as a qualification for many courses and careers. 16 Units Studied - Years 12 & 13 Unit 1 Voices in Speech and Writing (Examination 40%) This component has an explicit focus on the concept of ‘voice’. Students will study how spoken voices are formed and written voices are created in literary, nonliterary, and digital texts. Students will develop their understanding of how writers and speakers shape and craft language to present an identity or persona and will look at connections between texts as well as the significance and influence of context. Students will study a wide range of non-literary and digital texts from the 20th and 21st centuries. Students will also study one literary drama text from a prescribed list, allowing them to study how writers create different voices within a literary genre. Unit 2 Prose Fiction and Other Genres (Examination 40%) This component focuses on how different writers convey their thoughts or ideas on a theme in literary and non-fiction writing. Students will develop their understanding of how writers use language techniques and literary devices to craft their work and communicate ideas or issues, making connections between texts as well as looking at the significance and influence of the contexts in which they were produced and received. Unit 3 Investigating and Creating Texts (NEA 20%) The non-examination assessment component has been designed to allow students to demonstrate their skills as writers, crafting their original texts for different audiences and purposes. In exploring the various forms of writing and the ways different writers use linguistic and literary techniques in texts, students will acquire the synthesized knowledge and understanding required to produce original pieces of writing. This component permits students to pursue their interests, applying the skills they have developed to investigate a topic they are interested in.