6th Form Prospectus

English Literature What’s it all about? The English Literature course at KJS is a fantastic choice to make. You will read literature from a host of diverse voices and experiences and study texts through different lenses, learning to see the world around you in new and exciting lights. These voices of male and female, BAME and LGBTQ writers reflect both our world today, the past societies which shaped it, and what it could become in the future. You will explore the societal and cultural context from which works of literature are borne, make revealing connections between the texts you read, and respond to alternative critical interpretations from academic writers and classmates. Through learning to shape your own ideas and arguments around the issues, themes and questions raised in texts, you will find and strengthen your own voice. Class sizes are small to ensure you get the maximum benefit from a uniquely personalised learning approach. Classes are student centred and tailored to your learning needs, designed to enable you to achieve your best. Activities are varied, and include a combination of group work, projects and presentations, lively discussion and debate, independent study and self-reflection. All our teachers are extremely skilled and very experienced, and we possess a true passion for the literary form and our students. Exam and Assessment Information: Edexcel Three examination papers (80%) and one piece of coursework (20%). All exams are open book. Drama exam 9ETO/01: An essay on Hamlet and an essay on A Streetcar Named Desire - 30%. Prose Study exam 9ETO/02: One comparative essay focusing on Frankenstein and The Handmaid’s Tale through the concept of ‘Science and Society’ – 20%. Poetry exam 9ETO/03: Two comparative essays: one focusing on a selection of contemporary poetry both seen and unseen, one exploring the Romantic poets – 30%. Coursework 9ETO/04: An essay comparing two texts which may be linked by theme, movement, author or period. 2500 to 3000 words – 20%. Our students say … “English Literature is an excellent course with small class sizes that allow you to gain confidence and skills as you debate, analyse and explore a variety of really interesting texts.” “English Literature gives insight into the building blocks of today’s society and enriches the mind. It is such a useful subject to support any other course of study, especially with extending vocabulary and skills of evaluation.” “English Literature not only teaches you amazing things such as how we perceive the world but it also teaches you about yourself and what you can achieve as a person.’ What next? An A Level in English Literature is extremely versatile and respected, providing an excellent grounding for a range of careers and higher education courses including the media, the arts and performing arts, journalism, writing, education and academia, publishing, public relations, advertising, marketing and the law. It provides a route for single or combined Degree programs in which you can study Literature alone or in conjunction with another academic field. To get started: Youwill enjoy reading, researching and talking about prose, poetry and drama texts. You will possess a natural curiosity about literature and the arts, and the wider world around you. Youwill be interested in refining your essay writing skills to compose strong arguments in which your ideas are developed with skill and precision. Entry Requirements Five GCSEs at Grade 4 and above including Maths AND Grade 5 in English Literature “Literature is a luxury; fiction is a necessity.” G. K. Chesterton 28