English Literature
In the English Department we aim to inspire by instilling in our students an appreciation of the richness and variety in literature and language and the huge range of cultures it reflects and celebrates.
We strive for academic excellence, whilst meeting the needs of every girl. We adopt a pupil-centred approach, enabling everyone to experience success and meet their potential. We are successful because we have high expectations of ourselves as teachers and of our Sixth Form students, ensuring fairness and equality of opportunity.
We aim to promote an ethos of respect by creating an inclusive climate in our classrooms where debate and challenge is encouraged and where everyone feels supported, valued and included.
A Level English Literature
Whilst our curriculum is driven by examination requirements at both Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5, during their school career, we aim to ensure that the girls enjoy their lessons encouraging debates and interactive approaches. Through the study of literature, empathy skills are nurtured whilst fostering confidence and self-esteem.
At A Level, you will study a stimulating selection of modern and classic Prose, Poetry and Drama, grouped together by genre.
Year 12 topics and texts include:
- Crime fiction
- Brighton Rock – Graham Greene
- Othello – Shakespeare
Year 13 topics and texts include:
- The Rime of the Ancient Mariner – Coleridge
- The poetry of Keats
- Death of a Salesman – Arthur Miller
The non-examination assessed coursework element of the programme focuses on key skills of narrative theory including:
- Inference
- Close Reading
- Language Analysis
- Applying critical approaches
- Academic Writing
A Level English Literature involves extensive and intensive discussion and debate arising from the study of Literature across the ages, sharing ideas in small groups, with opportunities for teacher-guided in depth independent study.
Our English Literature students are extremely successful at A Level, achieving outstanding results: many of them go on to study both Language and Literature at graduate level, with success at some of the most prestigious universities.
Co-curricular Activities
Our department offers a range of enrichment activities which enhance learning and provide new opportunities to explore the world around within the context of the subject. Recent opportunities include:
- Poetry competitions
- Creative Writing Club
- Theatre visits
- Residential visits to London
- Guest speakers and author visits
