Language A1(English)

What levels are on offer?

You can study Language A1 (English) at Higher Level or at Standard Level.

How do I decide which to choose?

• Higher Level Language A1 (English) 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.

What will I need?

For Language A1 you will need at least a ‘B’ grade at GCSE English and English Literature.

What will I study?

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

• World Literature – the study of three texts, for example, texts like ‘Metamorphosis’ and ‘Ivan Denisovich’
• Detailed study – the study of two texts (a play and poetry) for example, Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ and studying the poetry of Wilfred Owen
• Groups of Works – studying one World Literature text and two plays, for example, ‘Talking Heads 2’ and ‘Pygmalion’
• Free Choice – 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 –

• World Literature – the study of three texts, for example, texts like ‘Perfume’ and ‘Ivan Denisovich’
• Detailed study – the study of four texts (two plays, a prose text and poetry) for example, Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ and ‘Antony and Cleopatra’, Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and studying the poetry of Wilfred Owen
• Groups of Works – studying one World Literature text and three plays, for example, ‘Talking Heads 2’ and ‘Death of a Salesman’
• Free Choice – the study of four texts, for example, ‘The Reader’, ‘Wide Sargasso Sea’ or ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’

How will I be assessed?

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 ‘School Free Choice’ texts, a coursework assignment comparing two out of the three ‘World Literature’ texts and an Oral Commentary on one of the two ‘Detailed Study’ texts.  These assessments are worth 50% of the total marks.

For the Internal Assessment at Higher Level, you will have to produce an Oral Presentation of one of the four ‘Free Choice’ texts, a coursework assignment comparing two ‘World Literature’ texts, a coursework assignment on the third ‘World Literature text and an Oral Commentary on one of the four  ‘Detailed Study’ texts.  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 two hours and is worth 25% of the total marks.

Standard Level Paper 2 is an examination of the three ‘Groups of Works’ texts.  You will answer one question out of a possible six questions.  The examination lasts for two 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 ‘Groups of Works’ texts.  You will answer one question out of a possible six questions.  The examination lasts for two hours and is worth 25% of the total marks.