English - Courses
Form VI: AS/A Level English Literature (OCR), Higher/Intermediate 2 English (SQA)
AS and A2 (A Level) English Literature
It is expected that pupils intending to study at this level will have achieved a Standard Grade 1 or GCSE English Literature B as a minimum requirement for entry to the course. The OCR English Literature syllabus that is followed is designed to broaden literary horizons, deepen literary understanding and develop literary tastes. An interest in reading and literature and a willingness to study independently are prerequisites for success at this level. The course covers four units; two are taught and examined each year.
In Lower Sixth Form, classes are taught by four members of the Department, thus introducing pupils to a wide range of texts (poetry, prose and drama) both of the twentieth century and before leading to the AS qualification.
In Upper Sixth Form, a further two 'units' are studied where further reading covers drama, prose and poetry across time leading to the full A Level.
Assessment is based on coursework (40%) and an external examination (60%).
Higher English
The Higher course is designed to satisfy the demands of Institutions of Higher Education, Industry and Commerce. It is expected that pupils entering this course will have achieved a Standard Grade 2 or GCSE English C as a minimum requirement. A highly effective and demanding course, it tests levels of competence in a range of language skills (reading and writing) as well as the appreciation of literature.
A willingness to read is a prerequisite for success at Higher.
To secure a pass pupils must sit an external examination and have secured three internally assessed 'units'.
Taken over two years, candidates are presented for Intermediate 2 at the end of Lower Sixth Form, providing pupils with an 'extra' qualification and the opportunity to measure their progress.
Form IV/V: GCSE 1900 (English) and 1901 (Literature) OCR, Standard Grade English (SQA)
The courses followed lead to awards in GCSE English and English Literature or SQA Standard Grade.
GCSE
Both English and English Literature are taught as part of an integrated course over two years, and are intended to develop further pupils' language skills in reading, writing and talking. The principal focus of the course, and the context for linguistic development, is imaginative literature, but works of non-fiction and the products of the mass media are explored as well. Pupils are set by ability, and there is differentiation in the texts chosen and in the pace of the work. However, pupils, whatever their set, are not restricted from achieving the highest awards.
Forms I - III: Keystage 3 English
Form IJ: Keystage 2 English
Further course details can be found from the Fourth Form Courses or Sixth Form Courses handbooks.