We enter students at AS and A2 level for AQA English Specification A, which is a combined English and English Literature course.
In the first year of the course (AS level) three Units are studied Language Production, Poetic Study and The Study of the Language of Prose and Speech. Examination of these modules is in June. Resits of the three modules can take place in January or June of the following year.
In the second year of the course (A2 level) three Units are studied Comparative Literary Studies, Texts and Audience (Dramatic Study and Adaptation of Texts for an Audience) and Language in Context.
A large number of students decide to take this course, reflecting the popularity of the subject and the staff teaching it. The AQA Specification A combined course is in its fifth year of running 100% of all students taking the subject to A2 level so far have passed the course. In 2004 all students gained D grade or above. In 2005 all students gained D grade or above. In 2006 all students gained E grade or above. In 2007 all students gained E grade or above.
From September 2008 the Higher and Standard tier of the IBD qualification will be offered to students, which covers many genres including Literary Non-Fiction and Shakespeare. The wide range of Literature studied reflects the international flavour of the qualification and fosters a comparative approach to literary study. Students will be assessed in external examinations, as well as preparing oral presentations and written assignments for internal assessment.