English Language and Literature AS and A2 Course

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1 ~ Opening doors ~ Personal satisfaction ~ DISS SIXTH FORM CENTRE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT English Language and Literature AS and A2 Course ~ Quality teaching ~ For you and your future career ~

2 WELCOME TO THE DISS HIGH SCHOOL ENGLISH DEPARTMENT We are We are We are You are You are And you a friendly, enthusiastic bunch very good at our job very successful interested in English willing to think and discuss enjoy reading You will need at least B grades at GCSE English (Language) and GCSE English Literature - and an interest in exploring texts. Our English Language and Literature course is a popular A level choice at Diss High School. This is not a creative writing course although there are opportunities to undertake language production and text adaptation tasks. Over the years, this course has been chosen by students who have combined it with A levels in both the Arts and the Sciences. In recent years our students have planned careers in journalism, the media and teaching. We want to help you to develop your skills and be challenged by your studies. We also understand that your results are very important; this is what enables you to move on to the next step of your education. The figures speak for themselves: at A level there has been a 100% pass rate for many years. Two-thirds of last year s A2 students achieved A*-B grades. Our Examining Board for English Language & Literature is AQA (A). Their website offers more information: You will have five hour-long lessons of English per week, taught by two (or sometimes three) different teachers. This arrangement gives you the experience of different teaching styles and methods, areas of expertise and enthusiasm. We normally have two teaching groups. The numbers in a class are between twelve and twenty which is great for discussion work in pairs and larger groups.

3 ENGLISH LANGUAGE & LITERATURE A LEVEL The specification at a glance: Unit 1 50% of the total AS 25% of the total A2 Exam taken Summer of AS year AS Examination Integrated Analysis and Text Production 1 hour 30 mins exam Literary and stylistic issues the use of language to develop and explore issues within the set texts. Language production task candidates adopt a different style/voice. This task is linked to your reading of the set texts. Unit 2 50% of the total AS 25% of the total A2 Exam taken January of AS year Analysing Speech and its Representation. 1 hour 30 mins exam Unseen comparative analysis of different speech texts. Examination of speech and other stylistic issues within the set novel.

4 Unit 3 30% of the total A2 Exam taken Summer of A2 year A2 Study Comparative Analysis and Text adaptation 2 hours 30 mins exam Unseen comparison of three texts. Production task linked to one of the non-fiction set texts you have already studied. Unit 4 20% of the total A2 Coursework completed by October and then submitted January A2 year Comparative Analysis through independent study Internally assessed coursework Free choice of question on studied texts from AQA list. Comparison of two set texts (usually extracts from a novel and a selection of poems) Evidence of drafting is a requirement. Texts and course books With closed text examinations, where you are not allowed to take the text into the examination, we generally encourage students to purchase their own books. You can then annotate your own copy and revise from your notes. We can order books through the school and pass on to you any discount we are able to obtain.

5 Why Study English? Opening doors English is a flexible and adaptable subject that opens up a wide range of career choices. English is particularly useful and highly valued in a number of occupations: journalism, publishing, law, general management, research /consultancy, public services, teaching and various creative industries. Studying English helps you to develop skills in written and spoken communication, working independently and thinking critically, which are highly valued by employers. Personal satisfaction Five hours a week is a long time to study something you don t enjoy. English students are challenged and exhilarated by their studies. They enjoy great opportunities to debate issues and work in varied ways. English offers opportunities for you to develop your own interests and enthusiasms (especially a love of reading), as well as time to think about a range of personal, cultural and historical issues. Study of English combines effectively with other AS and A2 courses. There are natural areas of overlap with many other subjects.

6 Quality of Teaching Teachers in the English Department are professionally committed to their students. The teachers are well qualified and enthusiastic about the subject. The teachers have taught English courses over a number of years and all have a track record of success. Range of Learning Opportunities English has a long-standing and respected place in further education. Whether you are thinking about studying combined English Language and Literature or English Literature you will encounter a wide range of texts, topics, cultures, periods and writers. You will develop an understanding of the many strands that make up Britain s diverse culture and the influences that shape its literature and language.

7 If you enjoy reading or writing want to develop skills in independent and imaginative thinking like the idea of a course that is for you as well as your future career have a lively interest in culture and creativity...then an English course is the one for you.