English

English at AS and A2 Level at BGS is a literature course which encourages you to read widely and independently, to take an analytical and exploratory approach to texts, and to reflect on the ways in which, as readers, we reach interpretations.

The education it offers is partly historical and partly philosophical; but, more importantly, it is a human or ‘moral’ education, increasing your awareness of issues that men and women have always had to confront in their lives.

Studying English is not only immensely refreshing, and – with its emphasis on your own imagination, views and ideas – quite different from any other subject, it also helps you to understand and appreciate your own culture and to develop knowledge of a remarkable literary heritage. In both years of the Sixth Form there will be frequent opportunities to visit the theatre, to join us on a cultural trip to Stratford-upon-Avon, to London or on our travels through Hardy’s Wessex.

The AS course builds on the understanding and appreciation of literature that you have gained at GCSE, but enables you to explore a much wider range of reading than GCSE permitted. Three texts will be set for examination, including one play by Shakespeare, and there is a coursework component, which allows you to develop your own interests and provides opportunities for creative as well as critical writing. The course is suitable for anyone who is willing to read widely and to discuss vigorously.

The A2 course extends your ability to read critically and think independently, both through close examination of a choice of texts ranging from, for example, a Chaucer tale to recent fiction such as Ian McEwan’s 'Atonement' and through specialist study of a topic such as ‘The Gothic’ or ‘Twentieth Century American Literature’. Coursework is an integral part of both AS and A2, but at A2 level you will be encouraged to choose your own modern novel as the subject of your essay, and to work with some degree of independence.

What skills will it develop?

If you choose English, either as an AS course or if you opt to go on to A2 Level, you must be prepared to read with an open mind and you should enjoy talking about what you have read. You can certainly expect to learn to think for yourself and make such progress in your handling of written English as will directly benefit your other subjects. Perhaps no other subject has so direct and broad an application to the fundamental requirements of employable adults: that they can express themselves fluently and persuasively in writing and conversation; that they can read the most demanding written material and make appropriate judgements on it; and that they can respond humanely and imaginatively to the complexity of the situations that they face every day. Past students have found successful careers in such diverse fields as law, medicine, marketing and the media. Certainly, universities and employers are actively looking for candidates with proven communication skills.

For details of the A Level curriculum please visit www.ocr.org.uk