English Literature (A Level)

There are two main strands to this English Literature A Level – Love through the Ages and the Struggle for Modern Identity. You will explore a range of texts from the Renaissance through to the 21st century. The NEA, which is worth 20% of the final mark, gives huge scope for independent reading and study.

What you will learn

The English Literature course will give you an unrivalled opportunity to develop your interest in and enjoyment of English Literature through reading widely, critically and independently, across centuries, genre and gender. The specification will give you the chance to develop an informed, independent approach to reading and allow you to develop valuable analytical skills in applying key knowledge, understanding and critical techniques when approaching any new text.

How you will lean

• Reading – both independently and together in class
• Analysing texts
• Discussion
• Group and paired work
• Oral presentations
• Essay writing

Year 1

• Modern novel (eg The Color Purple, The Great Gatsby)
• 19th century novel (eg Far from the Madding Crowd, Wuthering Heights)
• Modern play (eg A Streetcar named Desire)
• Coursework texts (eg 1984, Frankenstein, Much Ado about Nothing)
• NEA

Year 2

• Shakespeare play (eg Othello)
• Range of poetry and prose extracts to practise critical analysis of unseen texts
• Modern poetry (eg Skirrid Hill)
• Poetry anthology

Assessment 1: Love through the ages, written exam, 3 hours, 40% of final grade.

This paper examines students on the set Shakespeare play, set novel text, the poetry anthology and unseen poetry, all related to the theme of love.

Assessment 2: Texts in shared contexts, written exam, 2 hours 30 minutes, 40% of final grade.

Study of three texts from modern times: one prose, one poetry, and one drama, plus an unseen prose extract.

Assessment 3: Independent Critical Study, non-examined assessment, 20% of final grade.

A critical essay comparing two texts of the student’s choice, one of which must be pre-1900.

College basic entry requirements

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

Where next?

English Literature A level is a very highly regarded academic qualification. It can lead to university studies in a diverse range of subjects, particularly in the Arts and Humanities. It is an ideal grounding for careers such as journalism, law, teaching, publishing, advertising and communications.

Course Combinations

The course combines well with subjects such as History, Drama, Languages and Psychology.