Why study English?
English, with its combination of technical and creative elements, is a particularly rewarding A-level subject. Pupils in the Senior College enjoy close analysis, wider reading and most importantly, healthy debate. Discussion of literature ranges broadly across historical, political, philosophical, moral and psychological issues. We study literature as a means of questioning our deepest held beliefs, whilst also allowing us to empathise with situations and states of mind we are yet to encounter so that when we do face them we are all the better prepared.
What will I study? How will I be assessed?
At Queen's, we use the Cambridge International A-level syllabus. The two-year course is varied, flexible and covers a stimulating range of texts; you will study seven texts, plus a selection of unseen extracts, which will be examined in four exams at the end of the II Senior year. Please note that the set texts change frequently.
For the first module you will study a play (such as ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf’), as well as selected poetry by Sylvia Plath.
The second module focuses on prose and unseen extracts. Novels that you might study include Whitehead’s ‘The Underground Railroad’. As well as this, you will also explore a wide variety of unseen extracts from prose, poetry and drama.
The third module covers Shakespeare (‘Henry IV Part One') and a twentieth century play such as ‘Long Day's Journey’ by Eugene O'Neill. You will also be required to evaluate a range of critical opinions on each text.
For the fourth module, you will study a pre-1900 text (such as Chaucer’s ‘The Wife of Bath’s Prologue and Tale’) as well as a post-1900 text such Coetzee’s ‘Waiting for the Barbarians’. You will be studying one prose text and one poetry text. This module also requires you to evaluate a range of critical opinions on each text.
You will be encouraged to read widely beyond the set books and to attend Literary Society meetings; there will also be many opportunities to go to the theatre and to attend lectures and exhibitions outside school.
What skills will I gain? Where can English Literature lead?
English is one of the most popular university subjects. English students are taught to think analytically, consider different interpretations and to listen and respond to one another sensitively. English students go on to a wide range of successful careers.