The Course - King Solomon High School

The CourseIn common with other subjects, the six current units are beingreduced to four, two in Y12 and two more to make the full Alevel. The details of examination board and syllabus have notbeen finalised, but the following elements will appear:Study of prose, poetry and dramaAt least four main texts in each yearFor AS, texts after 1800, and a novel after 1990For A2, some texts before 1800A combination of coursework, 'open book' and'closed book' assessmentA new emphasis on independent critical readingin line with more recent ways of studying Englishat university.Who teaches the course?This is drawn from across the Department according to need,and always includes members of staff who have experience ofexamining up to senior level.Average Grades attainedFinal grades average at about C/B. More important is that studentsalmost all achieve at least in line with expectations, and certainlyin line with the degree of consistent commitment that they giveto the course.Preferred RequirementsEstablished requirements are for grade C at GCSE in Englishand English Literature. In exceptional circumstances, studentswith lower results are accepted on a trial basis, and may wellperform beyond expectations. As a general guide, however, youare more likely to manage the step up to advanced and moreindependent work if you have two grades B.University and Beyond?This subject is appropriate for a wide range of higher educationcourses and careers; several of our students have chosen it atuniversity level.English Literature is often seen as a challenging subject, andrightly so, as it places great emphasis on students' willingness tothink for themselves. If you enjoy reading, or at least are genuinelyprepared to approach texts with an open mind; if you canpersevere in a subject that requires you to sit for extendedperiods on your own to read, but which offers lively discussionwith others afterwards, under the guidance of teachers withexcellent subject knowledge, then this could well be the coursefor you.LITERATUREENGLISH