English Language is compulsory for all students.  The English Department now offer the new CCEA specification for GCSE.

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The course is assessed through four units, with assessment taking place over both Years 11 and 12.

Unit 1:

Writing for Purpose and Audience and Reading to Access Non-fiction and Media Texts.

External written examination. 1 hour 45 mins. Students complete five tasks. 30% 

 

Unit 2:

Speaking and Listening Controlled assessment. Teachers mark the tasks, and CCEA moderate the results. 20% 

 

Unit 3:

Studying Spoken and Written Language Controlled assessment. Teachers mark the tasks, and CCEA moderate the results. 20% 

 

Unit 4:

Personal or Creative Writing and Reading Literary and Non-fiction Texts. External written examination. 1 hour 45 mins Students complete four tasks. 30%

Head of Department

Mrs Christina Collins

Subject Teachers

Mrs Bernie O'Reilly

Mr Garvan Gallagher

Mrs Michéle Nagi

Mrs E Irvine

Mrs N Beeson

English Literature is currently optional for students.

 

Unit 1:

The Study of Prose. External written examination. 1 hour 45 mins.  Students answer two questions, one from Section A and the set question in Section B. Section A is closed book. 30%

 

Unit 2:

The Study of Drama and Poetry. External written examination. 2 hours. Students answer two questions, one from Section A and one from Section B. Section A is open book. Section B is open book. 50%

 

Unit 3:

The Study of Shakespeare. Controlled assessment. 2 hours. Students complete one task: an extended writing question based on a theme. Teachers mark the tasks, and CCEA moderate the results. 20%

Subject Introduction

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Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced GCE English Literature aim to encourage students to develop their interest in and enjoyment of literary studies through reading widely, independently and critically. They involve opportunities to: 

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• Explore the traditions within English Literature 

• Study a wide range of texts from those written in the 14th Century up to the present day 

• Explore contemporary cultural, moral, spiritual and political issues

 

Our students enjoy lively debate and opportunities to explore texts in a way which promotes independent, critical and creative thinking.

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Course Structure

 

AS Unit 1:

The Study of Poetry 1900–Present (Frost and Heaney) and Drama 1900–Present ('A Streetcar Named Desire'). External written examination. 2 hours. Students answer two questions, one from Section A and one from Section B. Section A is open book. Section B is closed book. 60% of AS / 24% of A level.

 

AS Unit 2:

The Study of Prose Pre 1900 ('Frankenstein'). External written examination. 1 hour. Students answer one question. Closed book. 40% of AS / 16% of A level.

 

A2 Unit 1:

Shakespearean Genres ('Othello'). External written examination. 1 hour 30 mins. Students answer one question. Closed book. 20% of A level.

 

A2 Unit 2:

The Study of Poetry Pre 1900 (Dickinson) and Unseen Poetry. External written examination. 2 hours Students answer two questions, one from Section A and the question set in Section B. Closed book. 20% of A level.

 

A2 Unit 3:

Internal assessment. Students complete a 2500-word essay based upon two novels; one pre-2000, one post-2000. 20% of A level.

Given the demand for confident and articulate communicators in today's professional landscape, English Literature offers the opportunity for students to build both their skills and confidence in analysing and utilising powerful language. This is a transferrable skill and an asset to every career and discipline.

 

An A Level in English Literature is a necessary requirement for those who wish to study English at degree level. However, as a subject, English Literature also offers valuable knowledge, skills and preparation for careers in law, marketing, teaching, public relations, communications, politics, copywriting, editing, web content creation and management, research and writing. 

 

Additionally, Northern Ireland has developed a thriving economy in the creative arts, film and media; an A level in English Literature naturally lends itself to such disciplines and offers a firm foundation for further study or careers in these fields.

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