English Literature

HEAD OF DEPARTMENT: Mr C Bloomer (acting) EXAMINATION BOARD: OCR SPECIFICATION CODE: H472 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: GCSE English Literature Grade 6

COURSE CONTENT “Literature is where I go to explore the highest and lowest places in human society and in the human spirit.” – Salman Rushdie.

English Literature opens up a world of creativity and inspiration to all who opt to study it at A Level. Literature allows pupils to make sense of people, cultures, history, society and themselves. Lessons involve discussion, open communication and views being challenged.

All of the English teachers deliver the course at A Level, and our wide variety of interests and specialisms allow for pupils’ individual literary preferences to be supported, particularly regarding university preparation and applications. In recent years we have had many pupils go on to read English at university, including at Cambridge, Oxford, Birmingham, Exeter, Warwick, and majoring in English at Princeton. Two former Freemen’s pupils have gone on to chair the English Society at Exeter University.

Beyond the classroom, English pupils are encouraged to take a lead on termly Literary Society meetings. Recent events have been themed Red, The Jazz Age and Love and Hate. The English department also runs the school debating society, and many of our A Level pupils are active members of the society. COURSE ASSESSMENT Terminal assessment takes place at the end of the second year.

Component 1: Shakespeare and Drama and Poetry pre-1900, 2 hours 30 mins closed-text examination, 40% of A Level.

Component 2: Close reading in chosen topic area and Comparative and Contextual Study, 2 hours 30 mins closed-text examination, 40% of A Level.

Component 3: Critical Essay and Comparative Essay, 2 essays (3000 words) coursework folder, 20% of A Level.

WHERE CAN IT TAKE YOU? English Literature prepares students for any degree or career which requires creativity, empathy, close reading and analytical skills. The analytical and communication abilities that English A Level provides are transferable skills that are useful for almost any degree, qualification or career. Commonly our pupils progress to read degrees in English, History, Law, Journalism and to careers in advertising, HR and management. Employers are increasingly seeking workers who have strong interpersonal, analytical and communication skills – all of which are enhanced by the study of literature.

Most importantly, prospective English Literature pupils must remember they will have the pleasure of reading literature and not textbooks as they study their A Level course. To quote Jane Austen: “I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading!”