English

Pupils at Cranleigh sit the IGCSE qualification for both English and English Literature. Our English course is designed to be fun with a serious intent; we aim to develop pupils’ ability to understand and respond appropriately and confidently to what they read, hear and experience. During the course, pupils deal with a variety of written and spoken media. We encourage pupils to use relevant vocabulary, correct grammar, spelling and punctuation and to demonstrate a sense of style and awareness of audience. We also use materials to help pupils with their personal development and to raise awareness of areas of wider human concerns.

The English Literature course requires Cranleighans to read and study a number of literary texts in the three main genres (novels, poetry and drama). Pupils are encouraged to enjoy reading, while also developing a deeper analytical appreciation of how literary texts work and how authors achieve their particular effects. We aim to foster a life-long enjoyment of major authors in the process.
The English IGCSE assessment is made through one exam paper (2 hours, 15 minutes), two written coursework essays, and two speaking and listening tasks (‘orals’). The English Literature course is assessed through one exam paper (1 hour, 30 minutes) along with two pieces of coursework.

In the Fourth Form, pupils are encouraged through the use of stimulating topics and materials to enjoy reading and writing and speaking and listening and to develop the requisite literacy skills and knowledge required for their Fifth Form studies, and beyond.

In all three years pupils find plenty of scope to develop their writing talents - regular features and competitions are promoted within each class and across year-groups with the aim of encouraging creativity and adventurousness. Pupils are also encouraged to use ICT in a number of varied and interesting ways.

 

English is a popular choice for Sixth Formers at Cranleigh: currently about ninety pupils study English Literature at Advanced Level in the two years. It is probably fair to say though that, unless you really enjoy reading and studying books, you are unlikely to do well in this subject.
 

During the AS course you will be required to study at least five books in detail. The exam is based on one two-hour exam paper (involving close reading of modern poems and answering on a 20th century novel) and two coursework pieces (3000 words in total) submitted to our examiners – the OCR Board. Practice of Practical Criticism skills (close-reading) will be required for the AS course.

The A2 course will require you to study at least six further books including a Shakespeare play. This examination is again based on one paper and an extended coursework essay of 3000 words. Synoptic skills (drawing together a wide range of information) will be required for the A2 course. Summer reading will be required of those continuing on to take the ‘A2’ Upper Sixth course.

Good English ‘A’ Level candidates read widely, go to the theatre, and enjoy discussing books and plays. They have the patience to read novels of several hundred pages in length and the powers of analysis to spend a whole lesson on one sonnet. Above all, they study conscientiously in their own time; proper preparation for essays can easily occupy a considerable part of the time spent each week on the subject outside the classroom. If this description applies to you, then this could be a subject for you.

You are encouraged to read widely and to develop a deeper, fuller understanding of literary texts drawn from various periods and different genres. As well as providing in-depth knowledge of texts and different types of writing the course aims to develop your appreciation of context (social, historical, cultural and biographical influences) and changing critical reactions. You are given recommended background reading and the School is particularly well stocked with relevant texts, videos and DVDs for this purpose.