A Level English Literature

Do you enjoy reading and studying different forms of literature? Are you interested in how texts relate to history and social development? Are you fascinated by how authors shape their writing to suit audiences? If so, English Literature A-Level could be perfect for you! Join us as we travel through different genres, exploring a variety of texts and evaluating their impact on audiences across time.

Alongside the exploration you shall be taught vital skills including how to analyse texts and how to construct formal essays. Both of these skills are highly desirable both to universities and employers. In addition, the ability to communicate and discuss opinions and aspects of the course are vital to success, all ideas are welcome!

The course enables you to study a variety of different texts including prose, drama and novels. These will encompass different genres and periods of history and you will also be expected to select texts yourself for wider reading outside of lessons.

It is important that you have a passion for reading a range of literature and that you have a creative, open mind to explore new areas of study and different ways of thinking.

AS:

Core content:

• 3.1 Literary Genres

Options:

• 3.1.1 Literary Genres: Aspects of Tragedy
• 3.1.2 Literary Genres: Aspects of Comedy

A level:

Core content:

• 3.1 Literary Genres
• 3.2 Texts and Genres
• 3.3 Theory and Independence

Options:

• 3.1.1 Aspects of Tragedy
• 3.1.2 Aspects of Comedy
• 3.2.1 Elements of Crime Writing
• 3.2.2 Elements of Political Writing

Advanced Level: Assessed through 2 written exams and one non-exam coursework element.

Paper 1: Literacy Genres

Choice of two options

Option 1A: Aspects of Tragedy

Option 1B: Aspects of Comedy

Study of three texts: one Shakespeare text; a second drama text and one further text, of which one must be written pre-1900.

Paper 2: Texts and Genres

Choice of two options

Option 2A: Elements of Crime Writing

Option 2B: Elements of Political Writing

Study of three texts: one post-2000 prose text; one poetry and one further text, one of which must be written pre-1900

Examination will include an unseen passage.

Non-exam Assessment: Theory and Independence

Study of two texts: one poetry and one prose text, informed by study of the Critical Anthology

Two essays of 1250 -1500 words, each responding to a different text and linking to a different aspect of the Critical Anthology

One essay can be re-creative. The re-creative piece will be accompanied by a commentary.

Five or more GCSE grades 9-4 or equivalent, including Grade 4 in English Language and Grade 4 in Maths.

A minimum of Grade 5 must be achieved in English Literature.

Move on to a host of courses at university including English, politics, humanities or social sciences. English develops the skills you need to succeed in a wide range of careers and fits alongside most other courses.