English Literature stimulates our understanding of the world in which we live and provides an opportunity for students to examine the ways the social, political and historical context in which texts are written shape them. This qualification is highly regarded by employers and elite universities, providing students with critical thinking skills, negotiation and communication opportunities and training in academic writing. A-Level English Literature encourages students to further their interest in English Literature through reading widely, critically and independently. You will explore an exciting range of drama, prose and poetry that spans time, genre and gender. Across the two year course students study two examined units: ‘Love Through The Ages’ and ‘Modern Times: literature from 1945 to the present day.’ The course also provides students with the opportunity for independent research and study through a non-examined assessment unit (coursework).
English Literature is a respected and rigorous A-Level and is a great foundation for further study in Higher Education. Previous students have continued their study of English Literature at university and enjoyed careers in sectors such as law, the media, publishing, advertising and the Civil Service. Alongside these more ‘traditional’ paths the A-Level also provides much sought-after ‘soft skills’ prized by STEM employers, and proves to universities that a student is a well-rounded and excellent communicator. A number of students applying for STEM subjects at university set themselves apart by opting for this A-Level.
You will attend seminar days, university lectures and go on theatre trips and visits to other venues of literary interest. In the department we offer a Book Club and a series of Masterclasses, which give students a taste of the vast range of texts and topics available for study at university-level English. We offer 1-1 and group sessions to support the learning needs of our students, according to their individual requirements.
5 GCSEs 9 – 5, including English Language and English Literature and one humanities subject.
• How to write a critical essay
• Introduction to advanced terminology
• Love Poetry across time: developing skills of unseen poetry comparison
• Prose and poetry comparison: Wuthering Heights or The Great Gatsby and AQA Pre-1900 Poetry Anthology
• Prose and poetry comparison: The Color Purple and The Feminine Gospels
• Non-examined assessment: individual coursework project
• A Streetcar Named Desire
• Othello
• Modern Times: literature from 1945 to the present day
The course follows the AQA A-Level English Literature A Level Specification A, Option B. This is examined as follows:
• Paper 1: 3 hours (40% of course)
• Paper 2: 2.5 hours (40% of course)
• Non-examined assessment (coursework) (20% of course)
Our teachers are specialists in their field of study and have a wide range of experience. We have published authors, GCSE and A-Level Literature examiners, A-Level coursework moderators and an array of interests from Renaissance Literature to Contemporary Fiction amongst our staff.
