English Literature (AQA)

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English Literature is a dynamic and engaging faculty of study that encourages students to explore the relationships that exist between texts and the contexts within which they are written, received and understood. Students study a wide and diverse library of texts and are thoroughly encouraged to debate and challenge the interpretations of other readers as they develop their own informed personal responses.

First year of A Level This course is underpinned by a historicist approach, accepting texts as products of their contexts. Students will gain valuable experience in ‘close’ and ‘wide’ reading, appreciating a range of texts on the theme of ‘Love Through The Ages’. Assessment comes in the form of two examinations: Paper 1 will assess students’ understanding and analysis of a poetry anthology and Shakespeare play; whereas, Paper 2 will examine comparative skills in the treatment of two prose texts. In each exam, students will also be required to argue and to show personal responses and critical preferences, supported by the terminology relevant to the topics and contexts with which they are engaging. Second year of A Level Students opting for A Level English Literature, will initially examine the universal theme of Love and how it is presented across centuries, genre and gender. Student understanding will be assessed through a two hour exam, worth 40%, in which they will demonstrate their independent study of prose, poetry and one play by Shakespeare. From this point, students will move to study texts written within a narrower and clearly defined time period: WW1 and its aftermath. This will be examined in Paper 2, worth 40%. Students will show their critical engagement with prose, poetry, drama and an unseen extract. The final 20% of assessment comes in the form of a critical study where students are encouraged to pursue their own literary preferences, evidencing their interpretations in a 2500 word essay.

GCSE passes at grade 6 or above in both English Language and English Literature. Students are required to engage with texts independently and so must enjoy reading.