Head of Faculty: Mr Ben Astley

The aims at both Higher and Standard Levels are:

• To encourage a personal appreciation of literature and develop an understanding of the
techniques involved in literary criticism
• To develop the students. powers of expression, both in oral and written communication, and
provide the opportunity of practicing and developing the skills involved in writing and speaking in
a variety of styles and situations
• To introduce students to a range of literary works of different periods, genres, styles and contexts
• To broaden the students. perspective through the study of works from other cultures and
languages
• To introduce students to ways of approaching and studying literature, leading to the development
of an understanding and appreciation of the relationships between different works
• To develop the ability to engage in close, detailed analysis of written text
• To promote in students an enjoyment of, and lifelong interest in, literature

The English A1 programme is an advanced literature course usually studied in the first language of the
student.

The programme combines the more traditional aspects of a literature course with a progressive emphasis
on cultural awareness and personal integrity. Aspects of the course include:

• the close critical examination of written texts, both fiction and non-fiction
• an awareness of how subtle variations in language use can affect meaning and tone
• the development of a personal critical voice
• the highlighting of different readings and interpretations
• encouraging the development of personal judgement.

It is essential to the study of literature that we question preconceived notions such as ‘artifice’ and
‘reality’, ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, ‘truth’ and ‘falsehood’. Literary study requires us to articulate what we think
we know and to challenge this knowledge in discussion and debate.
We need to be able to offer multiple interpretations of character and theme in order to comprehend the
worlds created by writers and to relate them to both personal experience and the universal contexts that
surround them.

Literary study is also rich in Critical Theory. These theoretical perspectives analyse and evaluate literature
through non-traditional means. They make us aware of debates surrounding the concept of ‘interpretation’
and help us to understand that even seemingly unproblematic concepts such as ‘text’ and ‘meaning’
require critical thought.

In fostering this kind of critical thinking, literary analysis helps us to understand the world and our place in
it. It helps us to identify the cultural biases that often form the heart of, and so frequently undermine, our
interpretations of texts, and, by extension, our opinions of other people, places and ideas.
For example, texts such as Camus’ The Outsider require the reader to re-examine the foundations of
some of our most basic moral imperatives. On the other hand, Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye requires us
to re-evaluate the concepts of beauty, opportunity and freedom. It demands that students recognize their
own biases as they appreciate the tragically deterministic qualities inherent in societies grounded in racial
bigotry.

The English A1 Programme’s emphasis on independent learning and personal responsibility promotes
intellectual rigour and academic honesty. The programme also encourages broad and balanced reading
with a particular focus on exploring the human condition from a variety of social, historical and cultural
perspectives. This international aspect of the course allows students to view the world from a global
standpoint, aiding us in our understanding of the world in which we live and both facilitating cultural
sensitivity and challenging cultural and racial bias.

The principles of high quality teaching and learning will be embedded in all areas of the course as will the
principles of independent inquiry and the promotion of a lifelong interest in, and enjoyment of, literature in
all its forms. There will be ample opportunity to use ICT applications in support of study.
The A1 programme prepares students for a variety of university courses and careers. These are, most
commonly, ones where the key skills of analysis, critical and creative thinking and an awareness of the
subtleties of language use are paramount.