Through our provision at AGS sixth form for English Literature and English Language A levels, we aim to create an experience that is:

• Responsive – to the students we teach and the context in which our students live and study;
• Reflective – of the big issues in society and of the journey that our students are on towards university and the wider world;
• Empowering – of our students to be independent, critical, scholarly thinkers.

Introduction

We introduce students to our subjects in a way that establishes their ownership of the course; we validate their voice, their opinions, and their questions in order to instil an inner confidence and sense of belonging. We challenge the notion of ‘otherness’ and self-imposed or societal labels, discouraging students from limiting beliefs and encouraging a fluidity of interaction with texts. We introduce the key concepts of race, gender, and class, promoting a sense of autonomy and a redressing of power structures that have governed language and literature over time.

The Journey

Students are taken on a journey of personal growth and emotional development throughout the course with a focus on taking control of their own learning. We offer a range of enrichment experiences – from our partnership with the English department at Leeds Beckett University, to theatre trips, to opportunities to lead enrichment sessions in the main school. All of these experiences equip students with a range of skills and competencies that support them on their individual journey in higher education, careers, and the wider world. Assessment is carefully planned and sequenced to support student progress from KS4: a range of assessment types develop student confidence and allow teachers to monitor and offer support where required.

By the end of the course

Students are independent, critical, empowered thinkers who are equipped to be able to comment confidently (both verbally and in writing) on a wide range of texts and contexts. Students are well-versed in the world of academic scholarship and are ready for university level study, with a clear understanding of key skills and issues such as academic referencing and plagiarism. Students are used to working independently and collaboratively and are confident to express their ideas – and debate the ideas of others – in a range of settings.