This subject is compulsory for all pupils.  Our examining board is CCEA.

Unit 1 Writing for Purpose and Audience, Reading Non-Fiction and Media Texts
1 hour 45 mins examination – 30%

Unit 2 Speaking and Listening Controlled Assessment, completed in the classroom over the two years and assessed by the teacher – 20%

Unit 3 Studying Spoken and Written Language, two pieces of Controlled Assessment completed in school – 20%

Unit 4 Personal or Creative Writing, Reading Literary and Non-Fiction Texts
1 hour 45 mins examination – 30%

The majority of pupils achieve highly in this subject but those who do face difficulties can avail of small group and one-to-one support with a literacy support teacher.

Around 60% of the year group study GCSE English Literature in addition to English Language. Both are taught in the same classroom with the same teacher. Pupils engage with a wide range of texts: modern and traditional; local and world-wide. They develop creative thinking skills, an ability to form an argument and are encouraged to learn through group work and sharing their ideas.

Unit 1: The Study of Prose.  Classes read either ‘Of Mice and Men’ or ‘To Kill A Mocking Bird’.
Unseen prose, a comprehension style task. 1 hour 45 mins examination – 30%

Unit2: The Study of Drama and Poetry
Classes read ‘Juno and the Paycock’ by O’Casey and a collection of poems.
2 hour examination – 50%

Unit 3: The Study of Shakespeare
Pupils study ‘Macbeth’ and complete an essay exploring a theme in class.
Controlled Assessment – 2 hours, 20%

This subject encourages a love of reading and an ability to engage with complex issues and ideas.  The critical thinking skills provide an excellent basis for progression to higher level study. Students study a range of literature and deepen their understanding of the changing traditions of literature in English.  Learning about the historical and social contexts of the texts deepens their appreciation and engagement with the characters and themes.

AS Unit 1: The Study of Poetry 1900-Present Day (Plath and Hughes) and Drama 1900-Present Day (‘A Doll’s House’ or similar).
External examination 2 hours – 24% of the overall A Level

AS Unit 2: The Study of Prose pre 1900 (‘Frankenstein’ or similar).
External examination 1 hour – 16% of the overall A Level

A2 Unit 1: Shakespeare (‘Othello’ or similar).
External examination 1 hour 30 minutes – 20% of the overall A Level

A2 Unit 2: Poetry pre-1900 and Unseen Poetry
(Chaucer’s ‘The Wife of Bath’ or similar).

External examination 2 hours – 20% of the overall A Level

A2 Unit 3: Internal Assessment
Pupils read two novels of their own choosing and write a 2500-word essay – 20% of the overall A Level

Teacher support and guidance is given but the work is completed independently.