A Level English Literature is an enriching and intellectually stimulating course that explores some of the greatest works of poetry, prose and drama from different periods and cultures. You will study a diverse range of texts, analysing themes, characters and literary techniques while considering the social and historical contexts in which they were written. The course develops critical thinking, creativity and strong written communication skills, making it an excellent choice for students interested in literature, law, journalism, media, education and a wide range of humanities-based degrees and careers.
Course Content
The course demands that students read at least 8 set texts plus unseen poetry .
Modules cover Drama (one Shakespeare play and one other Tragedy), Prose (two texts from a chosen theme, one being pre-1900), and Poetry (a post-2000 collection and a range from a literary period) .
Discussion is a big part of lessons, where students are expected to offer opinions, make educated guesses, and substantiate assertions .
The course requires students to be autonomous and independent, setting their own agenda and parameters within the bounds of the syllabus.
Texts studied are ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’, Tennessee Williams, ‘Othello’, William Shakespeare, ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, Margaret Atwood, ‘Frankenstein’, Mary Shelley, ‘Poems of the Decade’ by a selection of poets and a collection of Victorian Poetry by a number of writers including Tennyson, Hardy and Rossetti. Coursework is written on two texts of your choice.
Assessment
The course demands that students read at least 8 set texts plus unseen poetry .
Modules cover Drama (one Shakespeare play and one other Tragedy), Prose (two texts from a chosen theme, one being pre-1900), and Poetry (a post-2000 collection and a range from a literary period) .
Discussion is a big part of lessons, where students are expected to offer opinions, make educated guesses, and substantiate assertions .
The course requires students to be autonomous and independent, setting their own agenda and parameters within the bounds of the syllabus.
Texts studied are ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’, Tennessee Williams, ‘Othello’, William Shakespeare, ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, Margaret Atwood, ‘Frankenstein’, Mary Shelley, ‘Poems of the Decade’ by a selection of poets and a collection of Victorian Poetry by a number of writers including Tennyson, Hardy and Rossetti. Coursework is written on two texts of your choice.
Entry Requirements
Grade 6 or above in both English Language and English Literature at GCSE in order to access this course.
Extra Curricular Opportunities
Students are constantly advised to stretch themselves with further independent reading and research beyond the set texts. Bookclub is available to those who want to read for pleasure around their course/read to support applications for English degrees.
Sometimes theatre productions are available for set texts.
Progression Post 18
The communication skills developed open doors with regard to a range of courses.
Apprenticeships in journalism and media.
Works well for applications for degrees in Literature, History, Law, Politics, Drama, Linguistics, Classics, Languages, Teaching, Social Sciences, Counselling/Psychotherapy, Policy and International Relations.
Careers
Employers need people who can crisply and concisely convey information and manipulate ideas .
Being excellent communicators opens all kinds of doors with regard to careers .
Highly skilled humanities graduates are in demand due to their broad nature, transferable skills, and adaptability.
Literature A Level works well for those who go onto careers in law, media and publishing, academia and education, policy and the civil service, communications and public relations, journalism, writing and marketing.
What our students say about this course
Year 13 student
"English Literature frees the imagination and is the study of everything in culture, and how we fit into the world. it's about much more than identifying literary devices and effects; it's about understanding diverse perspectives and other worlds, and reading against the grain.
If you enjoy discussion, exploring the past and the future, and are interested in developing sensitivity to hidden meaning, English is for you."