English

Studying English and English Literature at the David Young Community Academy, offers dynamic and life-enhancing opportunities. Moral and spiritual values underpin the learning purpose and style, and we will support all learners to become secure and confident in their speaking, listening, thinking, reading and writing skills.

We will promote deep learning by:

Leading our students to have bright, enquiring minds and independent learning skills
Teaching our students to speak with confidence and flair
Guiding students to know, understand and demonstrate the power of good listening
Reading and studying texts of significant moral power from different periods of English Literature and from different cultures and traditions
Imparting knowledge on how to write with a strong level of accuracy and flair
Working in a manner that encourages collaboration, support and respect for one another and heightened awareness of the power of imagination and creativity for all manner of situations in life

GCSE English and English Literature

Using the WJEC syllabus, students will complete all written coursework for English and English Literature during Year 10. This comprises six essays, which will exhibit ability and skills in reading, writing and analytical response to literature. Two essays will be different types of personal writing and four essays will be responses to the study of Shakespeare, poetry from different cultures and traditions, pre-1914 poetry and pre-1914 prose. Students will also participate in a variety of speaking and listening tasks, including extended, individual contributions, group discussion and drama-focused activities.

Speaking and listening coursework is worth 20% in English; written coursework is worth 20% in English and 30% in English Literature. Part of Year 10 and all of Year 11 will be given to developing the major skills of written communication, purposeful understanding and analysis required to succeed in the terminal examinations and life generally.

The terminal examinations are worth 60% in English and 70% in English Literature. Therefore, the production of high-quality coursework and strong preparation for the terminal examinations are both very significant.

This is a varied and inspiring course, integrating the purpose and value of studying English language and literature as two, dynamic, interdependent GCSE subjects – success in which leads to a bright future for students, both with employers and in higher education.

AS/A2 English Literature

Examination Board – WJEC

This dynamic course inspires candidates to develop their interest in enjoyment in literary studies through reading widely, independently and critically. Students will gain a deep insight into the traditions of English Literature and become confident and reflective readers of a range of texts, learning to express their responses effectively through speech and writing.

In moving on from Advanced Subsidiary to Advanced Level, student will break down and deepen their knowledge, enabling them to gain a wider sense of the scope of literary study. The course will lead students to explore comparisons and connections between texts and to deepen their appreciation of the significance of cultural and historical influences upon readers and writers.

The texts studies will be an exciting range from some of the finest written throughout the ages of English Literature, including contemporary works.

English literature is a fine choice at A-level and complements a wide range of other courses in the Arts, Languages or Sciences. Career opportunities include: academic vocation, writing, publishing, teaching and social services in the broader sense. It is highly valuable for students interested in taking up a career in which analysis, deep thinking, reflection and moral and social awareness are key. All universities regard it as a prestigious subject.