English Literature
“Literature is one of the most interesting and significant expressions of humanity.”
Welcome to English Literature in the Sixth Form at CHS
I am Alex Vyce, Head of English here at Cheadle Hulme School and I would like to welcome you to the English Department. Housed in the beautiful and historic Holden Hall, the English department is a hub of literary activity.
For anyone wanting to develop critical thinking, English Literature is a highly regarded academic course. For avid readers, word lovers, poets and theatre buffs, English Literature is the perfect choice. A-Level English Literature will encourage you to develop your interest in, and enjoyment of, literary study through reading widely and critically.
Studying literature feeds the imagination. It allows you to travel back in time, share the experiences of others, take on new perspectives, explore ideas, beliefs and values, challenge or discover your own and learn the literary skills to express yourself in original and creative ways through dialogue, argument, and critical essay writing.
A Level ENG LIT.MOVThe analytical, interpretative and discursive skills you develop by studying literature will also prove excellent preparation for university. English Literature is a highly regarded A level that can take students onto almost any course of study. It is an obvious choice for English degree courses but is also an excellent option for those considering Law, Arts and Humanities subjects, Languages, Business and even Medicine when combined with sciences.
In the Sixth Form we follow the Edexcel A Level English Literature Specification.
<< Watch the short film to find out more.
Beyond A Level Literature
With your excellent communication skills, wily use of language and creative flair you could write a block buster novel, set up your own publishing house or online media platform, produce scripts for film, theatre and TV, perform gritty, hard-hitting poetry, go undercover in the world of etymology, teach speech, start a revolution, get on your soapbox, set up global campaigns and much more. Add business acumen and political nous and your career pathways could open even further.
Watch the films below to hear from a few of our former students about the benefits of studying English Literature.
Click on Ella's photo to hear the story of her own literary experience.
English Literature Old Waconians.mp4Mrs Gregory chats with Old Waconians Raf and Ella about their experiences of English Lit at CHS
Lower Sixth
Either Margaret Atwood: The Handmaid’s Tale and Mary Shelley: Frankenstein
Or Khaled Hosseini: A Thousand Splendid Suns and Emily Bronte: Wuthering Heights
Poems Of The Decade. An Anthology of the Forward Books Of Poetry.
Tennessee Williams: A Streetcar Named Desire.
Upper Sixth
William Shakespeare: King Lear or Othello
Comparative coursework
Poetry: The Romantics or Christina Rossetti
Author visits and workshops: Meeting writer, Sebastian Faulks. Theatre Trips to London.
New York and Boston Tour 2019
Enrichment Opportunities
We don't just study English Literature - we explore American Literature too. In October 2019 we took our A Level students on a tour of New York and Boston. We enjoyed a literary walking tour, theatre workshops and for those interested in studying overseas, a tour of Harvard. We very much hope this trip is somethiing we will be able to run in the future.
We have connections with Schools of English at various universities and have enjoyed visiting lecturers and writers holding seminars for our students.
We attend live theatre productions.
We attend lecture days to develop student thinking beyond the confines of the specification.
There are three exam papers for the A Level qualification:
Paper 1: Drama (A Shakespearean tragedy and 'A Streetcar Named Desire')
Paper 2: Prose (We study 'The Handmaid's Tale and 'Frankenstein' or 'Wuthering Heights' and 'A Thousand Splendid Suns')
Paper 3: Poetry ( Modern Poetry and a specified poet or poetry from a literary period)
FAQ: Are there any GCSE requirements?
Ideally, you will have achieved at least a grade 7 at GCSE.
It is essential that you enjoy reading.
FAQ:How is A Level English Literature different from GCSE?
At GCSE (sadly)
students often expect notes to be given to them and have no choice in doing the subject;
learning is more teacher-led;
essays are more formulaic.
At A level you (happily)
choose to be in the subject;
explore advanced ideas and concepts;
re-invigorate your passion for the subject;
articulate creative, informed and relevant responses;
demonstrate detailed critical understanding of the ways in which structure, form and language shape meaning;
explore connections and comparisons between different literary texts, informed by interpretations of other readers;
demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of the context in which literary texts are produced and received.
FAQ: Is there any coursework?
Yes - and in the words of a student "this is the single most enjoyable piece of academic work you will complete." The coursework comproses of a single essay in which you compare two texts (poetry, prose or drama). You have the choice over the texts and topics so it is an opportunity to tailor the course to your own interests. Your teacher will meet with you to support the essay writing process. This essay counts as 20% of the total qualification.
FAQ: What are the lessons like?
In the English department, we teach A Level using 'Harkness' methods. This means you will be asked to prepare before coming to a lesson and then we will sit round a table and explore texts through discussions and heated debates facilitated by the teacher. You will be expected to make notes on those discussions. We ease students into this way of working and it is excellent preparation for university study. By the end of Year 12, you will be able to formulate cogent arguments and write in a critical and academic style.
FAQ: Does the English Department offer any leadership opportunities that would be suitable for UCAS applictions?
There are many opportunities for students to develop leadership skills, enrich their learning and pursue personal interest areas in this subject.
Students can hone their leadership skills by choosing to lead learning activities with students lower down the school in a whole class context – approach your teacher to set this up.
Students can opt to support individual learning in English on a one to one basis by offering their services to the head of year.
The department offers the TEFL qualification.
Students can become part of and coordinate the English Society where they can discuss issues, plan trips to the theatre or cinema or run competitions.
Students can involve themselves in the school library as a librarian or as a member of groups organising competitions and reading groups – see the librarian for further information.
Students can take part in a number of national writing competitions throughout the year – please check the English Notice Board and your teacher for further information.
Students can help out at open events by talking to our visitors and preparing activities for visiting students.
We expect all students to take a proactive role in their learning. We would therefore encourage you to seek out your own opportunities to take leadership roles in the subject as well as to find ways of increasing the breadth and depth of your learning experience, in addition to the opportunities already in place. In this way we would like you to take the initiative and come to us with your ideas. What about producing a booklet of sixth form writing, for example, or writing a magazine with contributions from as many students as possible? What about setting up a book club or organising class trips to the Globe, the British Library and theatre? Indeed, the A level English course can be as dynamic and inspirational as you decide.
The English Literature Department Team.
Alex Vyce - Head of Department (alexvyce@chschool.co.uk)
Catherine Gregory
Laura Rossiter
David Lockhart
Hannah Allcock
Ellen Butler
Jessica Henderson
Maija Kaipainen
Bethan Lewis
Please contact our Head of Department if you have any further questions .