English and Media
English Literature
Minimum entry requirements for all A Level courses are minimum of 8 GCSE subjects, with an average grade of 6 (legacy grade B) or above; including at least a grade 6 or above in GCSE English Language (or Literature) and GCSE mathematics and a grade 6 or above in GCSE Science.
In addition, to study this subject you must have a grade 6 or above in GCSE English Language and Literature
Description of the subject
English Literature builds on skills already developed at GCSE. Students cover a range of texts from across genres, drawing comparisons and analysing ideas and themes in depth. There is a lot of emphasis placed on reading, both for the course and for pleasure.
Throughout the course the focus is on analysing the ways in which stories are told and thereby constructing different realities; a significant element to this is understanding the context in which texts are produced and thinking about the ways in which we understand them as readers, or viewers in the case of drama.
Assessment of this subject consists of 3 terminal examinations and one piece of coursework.
What you will do- students will:
- Pay close attention to how narrative deice work in in texts
- Make connections across texts through exploring their themes and ideas
- Be introduced to notions of genre through the study of drama
- Broaden their understanding of genre and categorisation
- Extend their independent reading
- Extend their awareness of critical methods and readings.
- Produce a comparative piece of coursework
Future prospects
English Literature is a solid foundation for any art-based subject at university (including English, Media Studies, Law, Philosophy, Languages or Social Science) as on completion of their A Level students will be skilled writers and will have developed strong communication skills.
English Literature is a good course to link up with Art, 3D Design, Business Studies, Information Technology, Media Studies, IT Practitioners and General Studies.
Media Studies
Qualifications to start the course
Minimum entry requirements for all A Level courses are minimum of 8 GCSE subjects, with an average grade of 6 (legacy grade B) or above; including at least a grade 6 or above in GCSE English Language (or Literature) and GCSE mathematics and a grade 6 or above in GCSE Science.
In addition, to study this subject you must have a grade 6 or above in GCSE English Language.
Description of the subject
The course includes in-depth critical study of a wide range of media and products, practices, institutions and audiences associated with these. Emphasis will be given to the study of moving image analysis and construction and will also cover mainstream areas such as television, the music industry, film, the internet and digitalisation.
What you will do
Students will be required to produce and evaluate their own media texts as well as analysing texts. The school is fully equipped with filming and editing facilities as well as internet access in every teaching room.
Assessment will take place through a combination of practical work, extended analytical course work, assignments and modular examinations. Most work is carried out using web tools (e.g. Wix) and professional software such as Final Cut and Photoshop.
Future prospects
Media Studies is valued and accepted by most institutions of higher education and by employers. The course develops the critical and analytical skills required for further academic study in all arts-based subjects and provides the grounding in practical skills expected in the workplace.
