The advanced study of literature is an enriching experience. Literature is a powerful medium because it can encourage the development of the whole individual: it helps develop sensitivity to language-its power and beauty- and wider awareness of culture and human relationships. It also frees the mind from mechanical and habitual thought patterns, building empathy and insight. And so, the study of English contributes in a fundamental way to the intellectual, philosophical, emotional and social development of the individual. It also forms the bridge across all disciplines, linking and making coherent the Arts and the Sciences. English Literature, in particular, has a revered place in world culture and it is valuable to have an appreciation of the contribution of the UK to our rich global heritage. More than this, English is about communicating potentially unconventional ideas convincingly and so provides one with tools with which to confront the increasingly unpredictable shape of the jobs market; however much technology changes, the ability to offer a well-supported, clearly expressed argument on a complex subject will have a perpetual value, in work and in one's personal life. Be prepared for a great deal of reading: poetry, novels, drama. This is a course for people who actively want to spend time reading challenging books independently. Ask the English staff about the wide range of authors and topics that are on the syllabus and begin some exploration in the Library. The exchange of ideas is crucially important; expect a focus on classroom discussion. Once these two elements are in place, you can expect frequent written assignments with full essays most weeks. The development of a cogent, accurate written style with a strong sense of argument is critical to success in this subject; a great deal of practice is necessary. We have a tradition of capitalising on our location by attending many theatres, cinemas, lectures, workshops and seminars. Recent outings have included seeing the ballet of Frankenstein at the Royal Opera House, a production of 'Othello' at the Globe theatre and hearing performance poetry. We expect too that girls will pursue their own interests when selecting background reading, as well as listening to and watching relevant radio and television programmes, keeping abreast of literary issues, and visiting exhibitions and theatres. A student of English Literature should wish to consume culture as often as possible, and we vigorously encourage you to write creatively too.
You should aim to achieve two A Grades in your English Literature and English Language GCSEs if you would like to take this A Level course. You should be aware that the study of English at this level is very much more challenging than GCSE in every respect; the difference often surprises girls who mistakenly think that a Grade A or B at A Level should be anticipated from a Grade A at GCSE. We expect in an A Level English student: ⚫a love of reading widely ⚫a keen interest in the world around them, the minds of others and the construction of literature as art ⚫an enjoyment of discussion of ideas which may be difficult morally, intellectually or politically a willingness to think and work independently ⚫ a willingness to learn and work hard ⚫ an enthusiasm for the communication of coherent, considered ideas orally and in writing
A Level (two year course) Unit 1: Drama (60 marks) Section A: Shakespeare (35 marks) One essay question from a choice of two on the studied Shakespeare text. In this unit, historical and cultural contextualisation enriches the study of the play. Section B: Other Drama (25 marks). One essay question from a choice of two on the studied text. Texts: to be confirmed, depending on class teacher, the Shakespeare will be 'Hamlet', 'Othello' or 'King Lear'. In LVI, the girls will enjoy studying the twentieth-century American tragedy 'A Streetcar Named Desire'. Unit 2: Prose (40 marks) Girls study two prose texts, one pre-1900, one post, which are grouped by theme. The themes include Childhood, Colonisation, Crime, Science, The Supernatural, and Women. The examination consists of one comparative essay. Again, contextualisation is assessed. Texts: Presently, the girls study 'Dracula' and 'The Picture of Dorian Gray', but this choice depends on class teacher. Unit 3: Poetry (60 marks) Section A: Contemporary Poetry (30 marks) One comparative essay from a choice of two on an unseen poem written post-2000. This is a rare chance to study literature for examination written within the girls' lifetime as well as develop the important critical skills of clear thinking under pressure, comparison and evaluation. Section B: Poetry Collections (30 marks) One essay question from a choice of two on the studied poet or movement. Texts: currently the girls are enraptured with the work of Keats and Christina Rosetti but the choice of poetry will depend on the class teacher. Unit 4: Coursework (60 marks) One extended comparative essay of 2500-3000 words on two texts linked by theme, movement, author or period. This is an exciting opportunity for girls to pursue their own literary interests and to discover a range of authors working outwards from their teachers' direction. Texts: The current starting point is 'The Handmaid's Tale', but this is dependent on the teacher.
About Education Provider
| Region | London |
| Local Authority | Kensington and Chelsea |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Girls |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Unknown |
| Sixth Form Fee | £25,326 |
| Address | 133 Queen's Gate, Kensington, London, SW7 5LE |
The advanced study of literature is an enriching experience. Literature is a powerful medium because it can encourage the development of the whole individual: it helps develop sensitivity to language-its power and beauty- and wider awareness of culture and human relationships. It also frees the mind from mechanical and habitual thought patterns, building empathy and insight. And so, the study of English contributes in a fundamental way to the intellectual, philosophical, emotional and social development of the individual. It also forms the bridge across all disciplines, linking and making coherent the Arts and the Sciences. English Literature, in particular, has a revered place in world culture and it is valuable to have an appreciation of the contribution of the UK to our rich global heritage. More than this, English is about communicating potentially unconventional ideas convincingly and so provides one with tools with which to confront the increasingly unpredictable shape of the jobs market; however much technology changes, the ability to offer a well-supported, clearly expressed argument on a complex subject will have a perpetual value, in work and in one's personal life. Be prepared for a great deal of reading: poetry, novels, drama. This is a course for people who actively want to spend time reading challenging books independently. Ask the English staff about the wide range of authors and topics that are on the syllabus and begin some exploration in the Library. The exchange of ideas is crucially important; expect a focus on classroom discussion. Once these two elements are in place, you can expect frequent written assignments with full essays most weeks. The development of a cogent, accurate written style with a strong sense of argument is critical to success in this subject; a great deal of practice is necessary. We have a tradition of capitalising on our location by attending many theatres, cinemas, lectures, workshops and seminars. Recent outings have included seeing the ballet of Frankenstein at the Royal Opera House, a production of 'Othello' at the Globe theatre and hearing performance poetry. We expect too that girls will pursue their own interests when selecting background reading, as well as listening to and watching relevant radio and television programmes, keeping abreast of literary issues, and visiting exhibitions and theatres. A student of English Literature should wish to consume culture as often as possible, and we vigorously encourage you to write creatively too.
You should aim to achieve two A Grades in your English Literature and English Language GCSEs if you would like to take this A Level course. You should be aware that the study of English at this level is very much more challenging than GCSE in every respect; the difference often surprises girls who mistakenly think that a Grade A or B at A Level should be anticipated from a Grade A at GCSE. We expect in an A Level English student: ⚫a love of reading widely ⚫a keen interest in the world around them, the minds of others and the construction of literature as art ⚫an enjoyment of discussion of ideas which may be difficult morally, intellectually or politically a willingness to think and work independently ⚫ a willingness to learn and work hard ⚫ an enthusiasm for the communication of coherent, considered ideas orally and in writing
A Level (two year course) Unit 1: Drama (60 marks) Section A: Shakespeare (35 marks) One essay question from a choice of two on the studied Shakespeare text. In this unit, historical and cultural contextualisation enriches the study of the play. Section B: Other Drama (25 marks). One essay question from a choice of two on the studied text. Texts: to be confirmed, depending on class teacher, the Shakespeare will be 'Hamlet', 'Othello' or 'King Lear'. In LVI, the girls will enjoy studying the twentieth-century American tragedy 'A Streetcar Named Desire'. Unit 2: Prose (40 marks) Girls study two prose texts, one pre-1900, one post, which are grouped by theme. The themes include Childhood, Colonisation, Crime, Science, The Supernatural, and Women. The examination consists of one comparative essay. Again, contextualisation is assessed. Texts: Presently, the girls study 'Dracula' and 'The Picture of Dorian Gray', but this choice depends on class teacher. Unit 3: Poetry (60 marks) Section A: Contemporary Poetry (30 marks) One comparative essay from a choice of two on an unseen poem written post-2000. This is a rare chance to study literature for examination written within the girls' lifetime as well as develop the important critical skills of clear thinking under pressure, comparison and evaluation. Section B: Poetry Collections (30 marks) One essay question from a choice of two on the studied poet or movement. Texts: currently the girls are enraptured with the work of Keats and Christina Rosetti but the choice of poetry will depend on the class teacher. Unit 4: Coursework (60 marks) One extended comparative essay of 2500-3000 words on two texts linked by theme, movement, author or period. This is an exciting opportunity for girls to pursue their own literary interests and to discover a range of authors working outwards from their teachers' direction. Texts: The current starting point is 'The Handmaid's Tale', but this is dependent on the teacher.
