A Level English Literature

If you love reading and have a genuine interest in different types of literature, then this course is for you! You will study nine texts in total from the three main genres of prose, poetry and drama, and from Shakespeare to twenty-first century writers, with the two main themes being Love Through The Ages and Modern Times.

Course Overview

YEAR 1: You’ll learn to analyse how techniques produce meanings in texts. You will study one Shakespeare play, an anthology of poems, and two novels; you will be examined on all of these, and also on a previously unseen prose extract.

YEAR 2: You’ll revisit three of your AS texts and will additionally study one play, one novel and one poetry collection. You will also be examined on a previously unseen prose extract and on two previously unseen poems. For coursework, you will study one further novel and will work independently on a text of your own choosing (agreed with your teacher); you will write a 2,500-word comparative analysis of these texts in their respective contexts.

Entry Requirements

All students studying A Levels should have at least five GCSEs at grade 9 – 5 in academic subjects, including English Language at grade 5. Two of these should be grade 6. Specifically for English Literature, you will need GCSE English Language at grade 6 or above AND GCSE English Literature at grade 6 or above.

Assessment Information

AS English Literature is assessed by two examinations. A Level English Literature is assessed by two lengthy examinations and one Non-Exam Assessment.

Career Opportunities

Many A Level English students go on to take the subject at degree level; some choose to follow degrees in Journalism, Creative Writing and Media related courses. A Level English Literature is a very versatile subject to study and if you are considering going into employment after College, this qualification will demonstrate your ability to communicate at a high level of competency. The study of English is useful for a wide range of careers including the legal profession, teaching, the media, the forces and marketing.