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A Level English

A/S English pupils normally will have studied English Literature at G.C.S.E.level, though on the recommendation of the English teacher pupils may enter the course without having done so, and such pupils, in the past, have been very successful at A/S and A2 level. Pupils attend study-day conferences on selected texts, as organised for example by Sovereign Education in Belfast.

Year 13 pupils have for many years been the group in the school who helped with the production of the School Magazine, helping teachers to commission and gather in articles from the pupils, and helping to make editorial decisions.

Each year we award the Anne Warren Cup for excellence in English, to a pupil of any age who has shown great ability, interest and potential in the subject.

Subject Code:         5110

English Literature at AS/A Level is an option for pupils who have successfully studied it at KS4 and, exceptionally, by other pupils who are recommended by their English teacher.  “A” grade in KS4 English would be a strong necessity in such cases.

Modules

AS1    Section A      Poetry written after 1800
            Section B      Twentieth century Dramatists

Open book examination – 2 hours

AS2    A Shakespeare Play

Closed book – 1 hour

AS3    Prose written before 1900.
            An assignment must be written on a literary genre such as
            The Gothic Novel, The Victorian Novel or The American Novel.
            Two novels out of at least four prescribed should be read and one
            will be the particular focus of the assignment which must be
            completed by the beginning of April.  (1500 words)

A2 (4) Unseen poetry
            Poetry written before 1770.

                        Closed book examination – 2 hours 30 mins.

A2 (5) Twentieth Century Prose – one text, fiction.
                       
Either by assignment OR examination (1 hour 10 mins.) (1500 words)

A2 (6) Drama Synoptic
            The study of two plays from widely different periods.

                        Open Book examination – 2 hours 30 mins.

Re-sit modules are available in January of the year following the June series.