English Literature

We follow the OCR specification

  • UNIT 1 – C19 literature: exam
  • UNIT 2 – Post-1900 literature: coursework
  • UNIT 3 – Shakespeare and C17 literature: exam
  • UNIT 4 – An extended individual study: coursework

Course aims:

Students develop skills of literary analysis, through studying a range of prose, poetry and drama, and gain deeper understanding of the heritage and changing traditions of literature in English.

Entry requirements:

Grade 6 in English and English Literature at GCSE. Students should enjoy reading and discussing literature, and going to the theatre.

Key features:

  • Provides a suitable foundation for the study of English at university, and for employment.
  • Develops independent learning and wide reading.
  • Encourages students to consider issues analytically and logically.
  • Develops ability to write and speak articulately.
  • Increases imagination and creativity.

Higher Education:

Apart from English at degree level, English Literature A Level is particularly suitable for the following: Law; Journalism; Media; Theatre and Film; Modern Languages; Psychology; Philosophy, Economics and Politics; History; Geography; Sciences; Business Studies; Sports Science.

Drama & Theatre

Drama & Theatre (AQA) 

  • Unit 1: Written Paper: 40% of AS
  • Unit 2: Scripted Performance: 60% of AS
  • Unit 3: Written Paper: 40% of A2
  • Unit 4: Devised Performance: 30% of A2
  • Unit 5: Scripted Performance: 30% of A2

Course aims:

Emphasises practical creativity alongside research and theoretical understanding. Students learn through experience, seeing theatre and making theatre for themselves. Students are introduced to a wide range of theatrical styles and contexts as they explore plays practically, and devise and work on performances.

Students choose to develop as a:

  • Performer
  • Designer (lighting, sound, set, costume, puppets)
  • Director
  • A combination of these

Whichever option they choose, students will gain many invaluable skills, both theatrical and transferable, to expand their horizons.

Entry requirements:

It is not an absolute requirement of the course that candidates have studied Drama at GCSE level, although it is a considerable advantage to have done so.

Key features:

  • A predominantly practical course
  • All pupils sit the AS public examination at the end of Year 12
  • State of the art facilities
  • Both a self-contained course and a sound basis for continued study at university
  • An excellent complement to many other subjects and highly valued by top universities

Higher Education:

Many students study Drama at university or go on to Drama School. Drama is also a popular subsidiary subject at university, for example with English.