English Literature

“English Literature opens your eyes to the struggles and triumphs in the world; you will learn each day something new and exciting, broadening your knowledge and expanding your will to learn.”

Studying English Literature

In English Literature, we are fortunate to have the opportunity to study some of the great literary texts of the world. Students are encouraged to read widely throughout the course and are then able to select their own choice of texts for one of their coursework pieces. In addition, students will also study one of Shakespeare’s plays for their coursework portfolio which may include ‘Romeo or Juliet’, ‘Macbeth’ or ‘The Winter’s Tale’. We are also able to read together some of the great modern novelists such as Achibie, Bronte or Du Maurier and a selection of poetry from around the world. Students will also have the opportunity to study plays like ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ or ‘Journey’s End’ which continue to sell out theatres in the West End.

How are you Assessed?

Component 1: Poetry and Prose (50%)

1 hour 30 mins Two questions on two texts; one poetry and one prose
Choice of two questions; one passage based and one essay

Component 3: Drama (25%)

45 mins
Choice of two questions; one passage based and one essay

Component 5: Coursework (25%)

Portfolio of two assignments each on a different text

Trips, Opportunities, Progression

One student sums up English Literature as “opening your eyes to the struggles and triumphs in the world, learning each day something new and exciting, broadening your knowledge and expanding your will to learn”. It is a privilege to have this opportunity to engage with the great literary texts of our own and previous generations, connecting with the ideas and emotions that shape our cultural heritage.

In previous years, we have taken full advantage of any theatrical or film events in Jersey which have included trips to see the poet laureate Simon Armitage as part of the Jersey Festival of Words and to attend the NTL screenings of various West End productions including ‘Small Island’ and ‘Life of Pi’. Our students are given frequent opportunities to enter local and national writing competitions; these have led to our students being invited to read their poetry based on World War One at the commemoration of the Somme in front of Prince Charles and an invitation to the House of Lords and also to Buckingham Palace.