English Literature A level (See Option Blocks on our website)

Key Skills are developed through studying English Literature. Opportunities for candidates to demonstrate competence in the key skills of Communication, Information Technology and Improving Own Learning are signposted in the Key Skills Appendix.

Other subjects which combine well with this subject are English Language, Art, History, Drama, Politics, and languages.

A Level

Unit 1A: Literary Genres: Aspects of Tragedy

Written Exam: 2 hour 30 minutes Closed book

Weighting: 40% of A Level

Three texts for study: Othello, Death of a Salesman, Keats poetry

Unit 2B: Texts and Genres: Elements of Crime Writing

Written Exam: 3 hours Unseen and Open book

Weighting: 40% of A Level

Three texts for study: Hamlet, Atonement, The Rime of The Ancient Mariner

Non-exam assessment: Theory and independence (Coursework)

Weighting: 20% of A Level

There is a minimum of three texts for study including one pre-released anthology of critical writing which students apply to their chosen prose and poetry texts.

Students produce a portfolio of two essays (one based on poetry and one based on prose), each 1250 -1500 words, each responding to a different text and linking to a different aspect of the Critical Anthology

Tasks set internally.

Students should have a grade 5 or above in English Literature and English Language GCSE.

There are over 1,700 degree programmes in English and the following are some of the other courses which list A level English Literature as a preferred or required subject: - Law, American Studies, Creative Writing, Cultural Studies, Film Studies, Media and Theatre Studies.