English (Language A1)

You can study Language A: Literature at Higher Level or at Standard Level.

• Higher Level Language A: Literature is aimed at students who really enjoy the subject and those who are possibly interested in studying it at University.
• Standard Level is aimed at students who need to express themselves well orally and in writing. These are key communication skills required in all areas of life.

For Language A: Literature you will need at least a 'B' grade at GCSE English and English Literature.

The Standard Level Course includes the study of certain texts in the following categories –

• Works in Translation - the study of two texts, for example, texts like 'Metamorphosis' and 'The Lost Honour of Katharina Blum'squo;
• Detailed Study - the study of two texts (a play and poetry) for example, Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' and studying the poetry of Wilfred Owen
• Literary Genres - studying three plays, for example, 'Death of a Salesman' and 'Pygmalion'
• Options - the study of three texts, for example, 'The Reader' or 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings'

The Higher Level Course includes most of the Standard Level texts but additional texts will need to be studied –

• Works in Translation - the study of three texts, for example, texts like 'Perfume' and 'The Lost Honour of Katharina Blum'
• Detailed Study - the study of three works (a play, a prose text and poetry) for example, Shakespeare's 'Macbeth', Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice' and studying the poetry of Wilfred Owen
• Literary Genres - studying four plays, for example, 'Talking Heads 2' and 'Death of a Salesman'
• Options - the study of three texts, for example, 'The Reader', 'Wide Sargasso Sea' and 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings'

In Standard and Higher Level there are different aspects to the assessment.

• For the Internal Assessment at Standard Level, you will have to produce an Oral Presentation on one of the three texts in the 'Options' category. Students are expected to produce a coursework assignment of 1200-1500 words and an Oral Literary Commentary. These assessments are worth 50% of the total marks.
• For the Internal Assessment at Higher Level, you will have to produce an Oral Presentation on one of the three texts in the 'Options' category. Students are expected to produce a coursework assignment of 1200-1500 words and an Oral Literary Commentary. These assessments are worth 50% of the total marks.
• There is an end of course exam taken in May of the second year.

Standard Level Paper 1 is a written commentary based on unseen material. This could be poetry or prose. Two texts will be given and you will respond to one of those texts. The examination lasts for one and a half hours and is worth 25% of the total marks.

Standard Level Paper 2 is an examination of the three 'Literary Genres' texts. The examination lasts for one and a half hours and is worth 25% of the total marks.

Higher Level Paper 1 is a written commentary based on unseen material. This could be poetry or prose. Two texts will be given and you will respond to one of those texts. The examination lasts for two hours and is worth 25% of the total marks.

Higher Level Paper 2 is an examination of the four 'Literary Genres' texts. The examination lasts for two hours and is worth 25% of the total marks.

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