English Language and English Literature

Head Of Department: Ms A MacMillan
Contact Details: ama@felsted.org

Exam Board: Edexcel IGCSE
Syllabus Code: 4EA1 (English Language) 4ET1 (English Literature)   
www.edexcel.com

Why should I study English?
The joy of English is that it broadens our horizons, transporting us to distant lands and affording us insights into great minds of the past. On your journey through your GCSEs in English Language and English Literature, you will explore one of Shakespeare’s great tragedies, a 20th century novel, a modern literature text and a range of poetry from different eras.

The study of English will help you understand and appreciate the complexity of the human condition, to interpret thoughts and feelings, views and experiences, and to challenge conventional ideas through intellectual curiosity.

Expectations of independent study
Pupils will be expected to undertake some reading of the set texts outside of lessons. In addition to this, it is recommended that you use the library’s resources and study guides to supplement and expand your knowledge of the set texts; this will also help you to analyse more critically and further develop your ability to evaluate character and theme.

To broaden your understanding of the various forms of non-fiction, you are encouraged to read a variety of texts, including newspaper columns, autobiographical pieces and speeches.

Examinations are closed book, which means that pupils are expected to reread set texts in their study time and to ensure that they can refer to details within the texts.

 

What do the pupils say?
“There is such a wide variety of things to discuss – we are always debating our interpretations.”
“I love seeing the words on the page come to life when we read them.”
“The atmosphere is enjoyable and our teachers know how best to help us achieve our full potential.”

What skills will I develop by studying this subject?
Becoming a critical reader is a lifelong skill that will help you to form balanced opinions, consider others’ points of view and engage in intellectual discussion.

The study of poetry, prose, drama and non-fiction throughout history will support your study of a host of other subjects, including History, Geography, Classics and Drama. It will also enhance your ability to empathise with others. Debates and discussions develop your ability to build an argument and communicate effectively in front of an audience.

Finally, the written elements of the course give you the tools to structure written work effectively, express your ideas coherently and write with a good degree of accuracy – all skills that will support you for the rest of your academic career and beyond.

 

 

Assessment:
Language
Examination 60%
Section A: Nonfiction texts. Response to unseen & anthology text
Section B: Transactional writing
Coursework 40%
Poetry/prose comparison with commentary Personal/imaginative writing

Literature  
Examination  60%  
Section A: Unseen poetry Section B: Anthology poetry comparison Section C: Modern Prose (text choice dependent on teacher)  
Coursework  40%  
Modern drama (text choice dependent on teacher) English Literary Heritage text  
(usually Shakespeare, dependent on teacher)
 

I love seeing the words on the page come to life when we read them.
Hannah, Year 10