English Literature

In this course, students will focus exclusively on literary texts, adopting a variety of approaches to textual criticism. Students explore the nature of literature, the aesthetic function of literary language and textuality, and the relationship between literature and the world.

What will I study?

Readers, writers and texts - This study includes the investigation of the response of readers and the ways in which literary texts generate meaning. The focus is on the development of personal and critical responses to the particulars of literary texts.

Time and space - This study focuses on the contexts of literary texts and the variety of ways literary texts might both reflect and shape society at large. The focus is on the consideration of personal and cultural perspectives, the development of broader perspectives, and an awareness of the ways in which context is tied to meaning.

Intertextuality: connective texts - This study focuses on intertextual relationships between literary texts with possibilities to explore various topics, thematic concerns, generic conventions, literary forms or literary traditions that have been introduced throughout the course. The focus is on the development of critical response grounded in an understanding of the complex relationships among literary texts.

How am I assessed?

English Literature is assessed through a mix of internal and external assessment methods.

Paper 1 - Guided literary analysis: the paper consists of two literary passages. Students must write an analysis of one of these passages within the exam at Standard Level and both texts at Higher Level.

Paper 2 - Comparative essay: Students will write a comparative essay in response to one question from a choice of four based on two works studied in the course.

Higher Level Essay: Higher Level students only will submit an essay on one literary text or work studied during the course. The essay must be 1,200-1,500 words in length.

Internal Assessment

Individual Oral - Supported by an extract from one work written originally in the language studied and one from a work studied in translation, students will offer a prepared response of 10 minutes, followed by 5 minutes of questions by the teacher on the ways in a which a global issue of their choice is presented through the content and form of the works studied.

Entry Requirements

Standard Level - GCSEs in English Literature and English Language at Grade 5 and above

Higher Level - GCSEs English Literature and English Language at Grade 7 and above

For further information

Please contact Alexa Minett: alexa.minett@parksidecc.org.uk

“I hope to study English Literature at university and I think doing it at IB has created a brilliant stepping stone for me because the way we analyse and discuss books is done at such a high and mature level. Everyone has interesting insights to offer and we all get a chance to contribute because the class is so small. English Lit at Parkside has fuelled my love of reading and greatly improved my critical writing skills which is so valuable for the future.”

Cara