English Literature

Qualification: 
English Literature
Length: 
4 periods per week
Unit 1: 

Brief Description of Unit 1: We will study a collection of poems, “The Whitsun Weddings” by Philip Larkin, as the main poetry text. We will also look at Dannie Abse’s “Welsh Retrospective”, but in less detail. The focus will be on themes and style. We will also study a modern play, David Hare’s “Murmuring Judges”, and study its dramatic impact on an audience. 

Unit 2: 

Brief Description of Unit 2: We will compare “The Great Gatsby” with “Catcher in the Rye”, in terms of theme, setting, narrative and the presentation of women - students wil then produce an essay of 1500 words. We will study some short stories and then students will write a 750 word piece of fiction and a commentary on their chosen style. 

What the department specifically offers that is noteworthy...: 

The English department at Loreto is lively and extremely well-qualified, with a broad range of specialisms and interests – many of the staff are interested in creative writing and write themselves. 

There are many opportunities for visits – particularly to the theatre and occasionally to films, museums and places of local interest to stimulate writing. We encourage visits by professional writers. Many of the department are also experienced examiners in both literature and language. 

GCSE Requirements: 
Six grades at A*-C, Two of these must be atleast grade B, Two of them should be English, Maths OR Science