English
Staff
Ms Howells - Head of Department & KS5 Progress and Achievement
Mr Hussein - Assistant Headteacher
Mr Black - Director of Literacy
Mr Wood - KS3 Progress and Achievement
Mr Raphael
Ms Rahman
Ms Tahir
Department Overview
At Barking Abbey School, we aim to prepare students for higher education and the world of work through the study of Advanced Literature. Our curriculum looks at the literary canon from classics like Shakespeare to Shelly to more modern, diverse writers such as Alice Walker and Khaled Hosseini. The course will look to challenge all learners and give them opportunities to consider the world from a spiritual, cultural and moral perspective.
Why study English Literature?
English Literature is widely recognised as being one of the most impressive A Level subjects by both universities and employers. This is due to its long standing place in the curriculum, the sophisticated subject matter and the overall challenge it presents to students. English Literature will aid you in many fields of work. It is especially useful for those interested in journalism, publishing, teaching and all aspects of the media. For all professional careers (law, medicine etc…) it is also important as a good grade in this subject displays excellent academic skills. Naturally it looks impressive on UCAS applications for all universities.
What grades will you need?
You must achieve a minimum of two grade 5's in English Language and Literature.
What should you be like?
The fact you must achieve two 5's in English at GCSE highlights the challenge of Literature A-Level. Students should have a good grasp of English Language to communicate in essays. This subject is for those students who enjoy reading and want to read more challenging texts. It is expected that you read novels from a reading list alongside the texts studied in class. If you have a passion for reading novels, plays and poetry you will be perfect for the course!
What will you study?
A Level English Literature (Edexcel)
80% Exam, 20% Coursework
Component 1: Drama
Section A William Shakespeare: Othello
Section B Tennessee Williams: A Streetcar Named Desire
2hr 15 (30%)
Component 2: ‘Science and Society’ comparative prose
Mary Shelley: Frankenstein
Margaret Atwood: The Handmaid’s Tale
1hr 15min (20%)
Component 3: Poetry
Section A: Post-2000 Poetry – Poems of the Decade
Section B: Specified Poetry Pre-1900 Chaucer: The Wife of Bath
2hr 15 (30%)
Coursework: One extended comparative essay referring to two texts
“If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book.”
J.K. Rowling
