The English department is firmly committed to encouraging all our pupils to enjoy expressing themselves in words, whether orally or on paper, and to introducing them to as wide a range of literature as possible.
Years 7 - 9
The experience and practice of English during Years 7 – 9 is rich, exploratory and preparatory. The department seeks to introduce pupils to writing from all three major genres – poetry, prose and drama – and to provide opportunities for analysis of, and re-creative writing in, a wide range of minor genres and literary forms.
All pupils take English Language and English Literature as separate subjects to GCSE. The English Department seeks to all pupils through the encouragement of wide reading, the nurturing of writing in all its forms and through oral expression. The course is substantial, yet enjoyable, and serves not only as a preparation, for further study at both Advanced and degree level, but also as a means of fostering a lasting love of literature and of encouraging craftsmanship with words as a skill for life.
English Literature at AS and A levels is a lively and challenging discipline
which can be combined successfully with all subjects. It appeals to those
who take pleasure in reading a wide variety of literature, who enjoy
expressing their opinions and developing independent ideas, who like a
subject which draws upon their own experiences. The course develops
skills which are useful in all careers: the understanding of how to read
critically and discerningly, and the ability to write and speak accurately,
persuasively and with confidence in one’s own judgements. In AS and A
Level, pupils are encouraged to develop their interest in and enjoyment
of literature, to communicate effectively, both in discussion and writing,
and to understand cultural and historical influences on texts.
The course is divided into six modules, three in AS, three in A2.
The AS Level includes:-
|
Unit 1 |
Drama: Shakespeare |
30% |
|
Unit 2 |
Poetry and Prose |
40% |
|
Unit 3 |
Literature |
30% |
The Advanced Subsidiary (AS) forms 50% of the assessment weighting
of the full A Level.
The A2 Level includes
|
Unit 1 |
Drama: Shakespeare |
15% |
|
Unit 2 |
Poetry and Prose |
20% |
|
Unit 3 |
Literature |
15% |
|
Unit 4 |
Poetry and Drama pre-1900 |
15% |
|
Unit 5 |
Prose post- 1914 |
15% |
|
Unit 6 |
Comparative and contextual study |
20% |
The aims of the course are to enable pupils to enjoy the widest
spectrum of English literature, to develop skills as an independent
reader, and to become aware of historical contexts and different critical
approaches.
Enriched curriculum
Throughout the year, the Department organises a range of activities,
including regular visits to theatres in Bath, Bristol and London.
The English Department has a strong tradition of debating and public
speaking. We think it profoundly important that all our children acquire
the rules both of formal and informal debating, learn to listen to others,
to carry an argument forward, and to speak with a dash of humour. All
students should be encouraged to chair debates. There are many
opportunities to expand this skill outside the classroom by joining one of
the many debating societies; Socrates Club, Ichthus or the Café Philo.
There are many competitions in prose and poetry and pupils are
encouraged to develop their creative writing further by joining the
Aeolian Club.
The School also enjoys visits from authors which gives students the
opportunity to meet and discuss literature at first hand with the author
which is highly beneficial for students.
The Department has strong links with the Bath Literature Festival, and
every year organizes an event in the Festival. The Bath Shakespeare
Symposium allows students to hear leading Shakespearian scholars talk
on one play. In 2001 the play was Hamlet, in 2003 Othello and in 2005 it
was King Lear. In 2006 Professor Rene Weiss, of Oxford College,
London, will discuss Shakespeare and underground writing with Clare
Asquith and Gerard Kilroy as part of the Festival.
