English Literature, A Level

Students should ensure that they meet the entry requirements for the courses they are applying for (available on subject pages) as well as the overall entry requirements (5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including Grade 4 Maths, plus Grade 5 English Language. A Grade 5 in English Literature can be accepted instead where a Grade 4 has been achieved in English Language.)

Students need to choose a minimum of three subjects to study, with a maximum of one subject per option block. Please note that all of our BTEC courses are single BTEC's and equivalent to one A Level, you will need to choose two further subjects if choosing a BTEC course.

Please ensure you have put contact details for yourself and a parent should we need to contact you.

The study of great literature is nothing less than entering into a conversation with the finest minds in human history! If you enjoy reading and like discussing big ideas and the ways they are presented by great authors, then this is the course for you.

Unit 1 - Tragedy

• Examining the nature of suffering, conflict, and human endurance
• Core texts are “King Lear”, “Richard II” and “The Great Gatsby”
• Assessed with an extract question, an essay question and a comparative question across a 2hrs30 exam.

Unit 2 - Social and Political Protest

• Investigating how literature challenges power and gives voice to the marginalised
• Core texts are “The Kite Runner” and/or “Brotherless Night”, William Blake’s “Songs of Innocence and Experience” and the poetry of Tony Harrison
• Assessed with an unseen extract, and essay question and a comparative question over a 3hr exam.

Unit 3 - Theory and Independent Reading - Non-Examined Assessment

• Building your independent critical thinking skills
• You will use literary theory to write two coursework essays on texts of your choice - one on prose and one on poetry.

There are two exams at the end of Year 13 which make up 80% of the final grade.

The non-examined component (coursework), "Theory and Independence" is worth 20% of the marks. Students are asked to write two critical essays on a prose and poetry collection of their choice.

• Grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language
• Grade 5 or above in GCSE English Literature

You need to be predicted and achieve all the grades listed above in order to undertake this subject.

English Literature is a highly respected A-Level that develops powerful, transferable skills. It signals to universities and employers that you can:

• Analyse complex ideas and sophisticated language
• Interpret information critically and with nuance
• Construct coherent, evidence-based arguments
• Communicate your own perspective with clarity and precision

These abilities are a valuable asset for any degree and are especially relevant for careers in:

• Law
• Journalism and Media
• Teaching
• Public Relations (PR) and Marketing
• Broadcasting and Publishing
• Politics and Civil Service