As a traditional and academic subject, A Level English Literature continues to be well-respected by universities and provides you with a wealth of transferable skills which are helpful to a range of careers. The course aims to develop your interest in and enjoyment of literature and literary studies, encouraging you to read widely and independently. It also encourages you to engage critically with texts, develop and apply knowledge of literary theory as well as explore the contexts of what you are reading. English Literature takes you all over the world and through many periods of history. It opens your eyes to the perspectives and contexts of people in faraway worlds and situations. You will be able to sympathise, empathise, cry, laugh and rejoice with some of the most interesting and stimulating characters and personas ever created.
We follow the AQA B specification.
“English Literature is a great subject, especially for those who enjoy reading and debating ideas of social and political protest. I have really enjoyed studying the texts for Year 12 as the themes and topics covered are very thought provoking and allow room for good debates in the classroom. If I could do anything differently about Year 12 I would begin reading the texts earlier – that way I could finish them earlier and have a more well-rounded knowledge before studying them.”
Amelia
Hear from our Head of A Level English Literature – video coming soon!
Although A Level English Literature is a logical step towards any further study of English or arts subjects at university, it will also mark you out as a strong candidate in almost any employment field. Employers will value the transferable skills that English Literature develops: analysis of communication; the ability to look at things in detail; strong written expression; confident presentation skills; effective time management; an ability to work to deadlines and under pressure; an ability to work collaboratively. We encourage our students to take a keen interest in their set texts and will be running a Study Day at The Globe Theatre in London.
Literacy Genres Paper 1A: Aspects of tragedy
For this unit you will study three texts: a Shakespeare text, a drama text and a prose text (one of which must have been written pre-1900). The texts are read and studied through the lens of ‘tragedy’ and include focus on tragic forms, language and structure as well as on tragic characters such as heroes, villains and victims. Key tragic themes, including fate versus free will, violence, revenge and pride, are also covered.
Theory and Independence
For this unit you will study two texts: one poetry collection and one prose text. The study will be informed by readings from the AQA Critical Anthology which summarises key ideas from critical theory, such as Feminism, Marxism, Narrative Theory and other key critical debates. During this unit, you will have the opportunity to pursue individual research interests and will be offered free choice in terms of the texts you wish to study.
Texts and Genres Paper 2B: Elements of political and social protest writing
For this unit you will study three further texts. These will consist of one prose text written post-2000; a poetry collection and one further text, one of which must have been written pre-1900. Study will focus on elements of ‘social and political protest’ and will offer the opportunity to engage in debates around power, rebellion, control, conspiracy and corruption.
Assessment
There are two exam papers of 2 hours 30 minutes and 3 hours, as well as the non-exam assessment.
Paper 1 assesses Literary genres. It contains one passage-based question on your set Shakespeare text, one essay question on your set Shakespeare text and one essay question linking two texts. It is a closed book exam worth 40% of the A Level.
Paper 2 assesses Texts and genres. It contains one compulsory question on an unseen passage, one essay question on your set text and one essay question which connects two texts. It is an open book exam worth 40% of the A Level.
The non-exam assessment consists of 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. It is worth 20% of the A Level.
Entry Requirements
Minimum 66555 including 6 in English Literature.
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