English Literature

Course

English Language and Literature AS

Exam Board

WJEC

For more information contact Head of Department:

Ms G Higham - ghigham@stedmunds.org

Brief introduction to subject:

This course promotes an integrated study of English language and English literature and enables students to develop intellectual maturity through the exploration of both literary and non-literary texts.

An exciting element of this course is that students will have the opportunity to apply linguistic and literary methodologies and concepts, not only to inform their responses to texts, but also to create their own writing.

This course allows students to analyse the voices of different writers and explore texts of all forms. Through this analysis, students will not only have the opportunity to create their own pieces, but also explore their own craft and the choices they have made. Students will enjoy looking at the deep complexities of how language is used in all of its forms. At AS Level, students are expected to read widely outside of the classroom and this reading will help to inform their analysis of both the written and spoken word.

What our students say

"There is such a wide variety of things to discuss – we are always debating our interpretations."

"I love seeing the words on the page come to life when we read them."

"The atmosphere is enjoyable and our teachers know how best to help us achieve our full potential."

Course Requirements

English - Grade 6/6

Assessment

Unit 1 – 2 hour exam (50%)

Unit 2 – 2 hour exam (50%)

Unit 1

Section A: Comparative analysis of poetry and unseen text

One question requiring a comparative analysis of one poem from the WJEC English Language and Literature Pre-1914 Poetry Anthology and an unseen text from a choice of two, one of which will be a spoken text

Section B: Creative writing and commentary

One question presented in three parts comprising two writing tasks, one of which will require a text written to be spoken, and a commentary

Unit 2

Section A: Post-1900 drama

One two-part question based on the reading of one play from a prescribed list

Section B: Non-literary text study

One question based on the reading of one non-literary text from a prescribed list

We believe that English is the ultimate facilitating subject. This is because of the undeniable value of being a competent reader and writer. The skills you gain through studying English Language and Literature are marketable in almost any career area. For example, Marketing, Advertising, Teaching, Journalism, Public Relations, Law and many more. This course will not only teach you to analyse the work of others, but also your own craft – an extremely valuable skill for any career path. This course is being offered as an AS level to allow those students with a flair for English to continue to develop their love of the subject alongside studying the A Levels which might be necessary requirements for their chosen career path.