Welcome to AS LEVEL English

I would like to extend a warm welcome to all students and parents. I very much look forward to the 2026-27 academic year where we'll build a strong, trusting and collaborative learning community. 

At EMS, we believe in open communication with students and parents, so please feel free to email me should you wish to discuss anything. I  am excited for the year ahead and working with our lovely students!

*Please check this site regularly as it will be updated with course overview information, including important dates and events. 

Teacher:  tom.dearden@emsd.sch.qa  

Head of Department:  hayat.elsiss@emsd.sch.qa 

Curriculum Guide - link

Syllabus - link

Term 1 Curriculum overview

UNIT 1:  Paper 1 Text Analysis

• Identify distinguishing features of the texts and relate them to the function and context of the writing

• Learners should be encouraged to think about the contextual information provided for any passage, and to consider what they know (or can deduce) about the passage’s purpose

• Literary material: letters, diaries, essays, (auto) biographies, and narrative/descriptive

UNIT 2:  Paper 1 Directed Response

• write for a specific purpose and/or audience using appropriate  vocabulary, tone and style

• identify distinguishing features of texts 

UNIT 3: Wider Reading  

• Experience literature’s contribution to aesthetic, imaginative and intellectual growth

• Enjoy the experience of reading a wide range of literature, this will enhance writing skills

Term 2 Curriculum overview

UNIT 1: Paper 2 Shorter writing and reflective commentary Section A

• write clearly, accurately, creatively and effectively for different purposes and audiences, using different forms

• writing a short text in response to a prompt 

• writing a reflective commentary based on how the text produced in part (a) fulfills the brief 

UNIT 2: Paper 2  Extended writing Section B

• developing lines of argument and presenting them in an ordered fashion

• giving evidence to support the lines of argument, linking coherently each line of argument

UNIT 3: Wider Reading  

• Appreciate the context of significant moments within the overall text

• Be aware of historical, social and cultural contexts as illuminated by the text

Term 3 Curriculum overview

UNIT 1: Directed Writing

• Explore language – especially some of the rhetorical devices – found in scripted speech, including:

• repetition

• lists of three

• use of abstract nouns to offer a vision

• imagery (which may draw on religious themes/symbols)

• patterns of words/contrasting patterns of words

• the use of syntax for effect 

• irony

UNIT 2:Imaginative writing (narrative/descriptive)

• Explore  effective  descriptive pieces of continuous writing of 600–900 words

• use language to create deliberate effects

UNIT 3: Writing Skills

• Communicate in extended writing informed personal responses to:

• passage-based questions

• Narrative writing, discursive/ argumentative writing/review/critical

Resource Texts:

1. AS Level English Language and Literature by Helen Toner and Elizabeth Whittome

2. Cambridge International AS and A Level English Language by Mike Gould and Marilyn Rankin

3. AS-Level English, Exam Board:AQA B; Complete Revision & Practice

4. All past papers, mark schemes and specimen papers from Cambridge CIE Teacher Support Website

5. Outside readings taken from masters of writing in the English language as needed.

AS Level Checklist:

Commentary writing

1. • prose, either novels or short stories

   • speeches

   • journals:

   • websites and blogs

   • newspaper opinion pieces

   • magazine article reviews

Imaginative writing

1. • narrative writing

   • descriptive writing

   • compare and contrast pieces where students were required to write two short pieces on opposing sides of the same issue.

Writing for a wider audience  

• • Newspaper and magazine articles

  • speeches

  • broadcast or voice over scripts

  • Formal and semi-formal letters

  • compare and contrast pieces where students were required to write two short pieces on opposing sides of the same issue.