Sixth Form - Subjects - English Language and Literature
AQA Specification B
Introduction
You will study a wide range of literary and non-literary texts and will begin to see them as interconnecting disciplines. The skills you have acquired for GCSE will be extended as you analyse more demanding material in a more detailed way. You will further develop your ability to use linguistic and literary critical concepts to comment on spoken and written texts. Your own writing skills will mature as you produce texts for different audiences and purposes. The literary, historical and social backgrounds to texts will also be studied. Many lessons will involve discussion and you will be expected to contribute your own ideas and build on the ideas of others. Theatre visits will be arranged where appropriate and these will usually take place in the evening.
Course Details
AS Unit 1: Introduction to Language and Literature Study.
An open text comparative examination based
on the study of a small anthology of literary and
non-literary material on a common theme. You
will look closely here at the language, form and
structure of the texts.
Unit 2: Themes in Language and Literature
Coursework. You will study a pair of texts and
the coursework will be in two parts. Firstly, you
write a response to a theme chosen by AQA,
using complementary extracts you have chosen.
Secondly, you will offer a creative response to
the texts.
A2 Unit 3: Talk in Life and Literature.
This is about how a writer produces dramatic
effects in his or her works and the study of
spoken exchanges in everyday life. Question
one in this examination asks how dramatic
effects are created by writers through their use
of language in a drama text. Question two gives
you the chance to respond creatively and to
show your knowledge of spoken language and
genre.
Unit 4: Text Transformation
You are required to transform two texts chosen from a list of authors into a different form or
genre, along with a commentary on the thinking
behind your changes.
Subject specific GCSE requirements
Grade 'B' or above in both English and English Literature.
Sixth Form -English Literature
Edexcel
Introduction
If you enjoyed studying English at GCSE level, this course
will build upon your love of reading. You will continue to
develop your own personal responses to literature as well as consider the significance of other interpretations. The social, literary and historical background to your set texts will form an integral part of your studies. Lessons will involve lively discussions so you should be prepared to play a key part in these debates. Theatre visits will be arranged where appropriate to supplement your work in class and these will usually take place in the evening.
Course Details
N.B. Closed text = you cannot take the text into the examination
Open text = you may take your annotated text into the examination.
AS Unit 1: Aspects of Narrative
Written paper. 2 hours. Open book.
You will study four texts: two novels (at least
one post 1990) and two poetry texts from
1800-1945. The examination paper has two
sections and you will answer one question
from each section. Section A will involve close
analysis of narrative method in one text and you
will do one question per text. Section B will
involve comparing an aspect of narrative across
three other texts and you will have a choice of
two questions.
Unit 2: Dramatic Genres Coursework..
A minimum of two texts will be studied within
the dramatic genre of tragedy. You will produce
a portfolio of two pieces of written coursework.
The first piece will be on an aspect of
the dramatic/tragic genre with regard to a
Shakespeare play. (1200-1500 words.) The second piece will be on an aspect of the
dramatic/tragic genre with regard to another
play.(1200-1500 words.)
A2 Unit 3: Texts and Genres
Written paper. 2 hours. Closed book.
There will be a minimum of three texts for
study including at least one text 1300-1800.
You will study one of two topic areas from a
choice of Elements of the Gothic or Elements of
the Pastoral. For each topic there will be two
sections; you will answer one question from each
section. Section A will be a text specific
question. One question per text. Section B will
involve comparing an aspect of the chosen
topic across at least three texts. Choice of three
questions.
Unit 4: Further and Independent Reading
Coursework. A minimum of three texts will be
studied, including one pre-released anthology
of critical material. You will produce a portfolio
of two pieces of written coursework. The first
piece will be a comparative study of an aspect
of two texts. (1500-2000 words.) The second
piece will be an application of an aspect of
prereleased critical anthology to a literary text.
Subject specific GCSE requirements
Grade B or above in both English and English Literature.