Upper 6th Form CurriculumSyllabus Followed: OCR
As at AS Level, there are two examination papers, namely: Poetry and Drama pre-1900 and a paper entitled Comparative and Contextual Study, in which you will explore a number of post 1945 drama texts. The third component of the course is a coursework option studying a post-1914 novel. The final choice of texts has not yet been made, but will be notified to all AS English candidates by the end of the Summer Term of the Lower Sixth year. However, the Poetry and Drama paper will certainly demand study of a major Shakespeare play.
You will be taught by two teachers so that you will continue to experience a range of approaches to the subject and can thereby more effectively develop your own individual responses. You will write essays regularly and develop your knowledge, understanding and literary skills.
English examines a range of types of writing in addition to plays, novels, short stories, poetry etc. On the other hand, Theatre Studies concentrates solely on drama, but explores beyond the text to lighting, set design, make-up etc. (See the entry in this booklet under Drama and Theatre Studies). However, both subjects can be studied together and indeed they inform and complement each other.
