English Literature

Subject:  English Literature

Key Contact:  Rob Glossop rpg@gryphon.dorset.sch.uk

Syllabus Information:  AQA A Level English Literature A 7712

Course Content

English Literature A’s historicist approach to the study of literature rests upon reading texts within a shared context. Working from the belief that no text exists in isolation but is the product of the time in which it was produced, English Literature A encourages students to explore the relationships that exist between texts and the contexts within which they are written, received and understood. Studying texts within a shared context enables students to investigate and connect them, drawing out patterns of similarity and difference using a variety of reading strategies and perspectives. English Literature A privileges the process of making autonomous meaning, encouraging students to debate and challenge the interpretations of other readers as they develop their own informed personal responses.

Year 12

• Half Term 1: Paper 1 Section C Jane Eyre OR The Great Gatsby /Paper 2 Section B One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
• Half Term 2: Paper 1 Section C Jane Eyre OR The Great Gatsby + AQA Anthology poetry/Paper 2 Section B  One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest + Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
• Half Term 3:  Paper 1 Section C AQA Anthology poetry/Paper 2 Section B  One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest + Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
• Half Term 4: Paper 1 Section B Unseen Poetry/Paper 2 Section B Unseen Prose
• Half Term 5: Paper 1 Section A Othello + PPE practice/Paper 2 PPE practice
• Half Term 6: PPE practice + Introducing NEA/Paper 2 Feminine Gospels + PPE practice

Year 13

• Half Term 1: Paper 1 Section A Othello + NEA/Paper 2 Section A Feminine Gospels
• Half Term 2: Paper 1 Section A Othello + NEA + PPE practice/Paper 2 Section A Feminine Gospels + PPE practice
• Half Term 3: Paper 1 PPE practice/Paper 2 PPE practice
• Half Term 4: Paper 1 Revision & exam prep/Paper 2 Revision & exam prep
• Half Term 5: Paper 1 Revision & exam prep/Paper 2 Revision & exam prep

Assessment

A mixture of formative assessment (knowledge tests, presentations and short mark questions) and formal exam essay responses.

Homework

Set once a week by each teacher –  a mixture of wider reading/research, Seneca assignments, completing class work/assessments, drafting NEA and doing specific revision tasks to consolidate learning.  Summer homework (Y12 to Y13) is to read the two primary texts and do initial note-taking for the NEA.

Useful information, links and resources

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/as-and-a-level/english-literature-a-7711-7712