The AS course begins where English Literature GCSE left off. A genuine interest in the three main literary forms (fiction, drama and poetry) is assumed, and students’ background reading will help significantly, as will signs of personal engagement. Unit 1 consists of analysis of a variety of unprepared poetry and prose (which leads to a question on an ‘unseen’ poem or passage in the exam), along with study of a group of poems on a common theme, and a novel. Unit 2 consists in a study of two plays from different periods, and explorations of these in a coursework folder of about 2500 words.

The A2 course broadens out from this base, and consists of somewhat more probing studies of the three basic literary forms. Coursework offers a good deal of personal choice and is worth 40 per cent.

Explorations in Prose and Poetry (60%) – 2 hour 15 minute exam

Explorations in Drama  (40%) - Coursework

Interpretations in Prose and Poetry  (60%)  - 2 ½ hour exam

Reflections in Literary Studies (40%) - Coursework

As in most subjects, assessment is by a variety of methods: tests on reading, assessment of note-taking, research, essay-planning and writing, oral presentations and creative exercises. There will be opportunities for students to assess work themselves against the criteria, and a series of preparatory assignments in each unit.

Journalism, teaching, advertising, public relations; general arts-related careers such as the Law, the Civil Service or Human Resources.