The Work of the Course: validity and reliability in assessing English Literature

© 2017 National Association for the Teaching of English This article reflects on the values and practices of a revolutionary UK A level (senior secondary) course that achieved a high degree of validity and reliability in assessing the study of English literature. John Hodgson and Bill Greenwell were involved in its teaching and assessment from an early stage, and Greenwell's comments on an early draft of the article have been incorporated. The practice of literary response enshrined in the course was based on a striking application of “personal response” to literature, gave students opportunities to show capability in studying and writing a range of literary styles and genres, and engaged teachers regionally and nationally in a developed professional community of practice. It remains a touchstone of quality as well as of innovation in English curriculum and assessment

Rhetoric and style

Chapter outlining influence of oratorical and rhetorical techniques on life writing, poetry and fiction

156 satirical poems 1998-2002

Selection of satirical poems in the New Statesman archive from 1998-2002 released in online archive in 200

Time and timing

Chapter outlining importance of time and timing on life writing and fiction

Using analogy

Chapter outlining importance and effect of analogy in life writing, poetry and fiction

Vision and revision

Chapter outlines importance of drafting and editing in life writing, poetry and fiction

Poetry: the freedom of form

Chapter outlining formal techniques in poetry

Conflict and contrast

Chapter outlining importance of contrast and conflict in life writing, poetry and fiction

Theme and sequence

Chapter outlining techniques of developing theme and writing sequences in life writing, poetry and fiction