English Literature A-Level

Why study English Literature A Level?

The study of A Level English Literature involves close reading and study of challenging texts: plays, poems and prose. The examiners reward candidates who attempt to read widely to improve their confidence in responding to subject-matter. English Literature is an ideal choice for anyone who enjoys reading a wide range of books, analysing texts and debating the big questions about being human.

Course Content

First Year Course Content

Love Through The Ages

Candidates will read and study a key Shakespeare play: ”Othello”.

Candidates are provided with a Poetry Anthology which contains celebrated Pre-1900 poems about love.

Candidates will read one prose texts:“The Great Gatsby” - they will need to compare how the theme of love is explored in the prose text and Poetry.

IMPORTANT

The precise choice of texts can vary from year to year.

 

Second Year Course Content

Literature from 1945 onwards

Independent Critical study: candidates select two literary texts to study in depth; one must have been published before 1900. We study The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman and candidates select the comparative text

Drama: “ Translations”  by Brian Friel

Prose : “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood

Poetry: “Feminine Gospels” by Carol Ann Duffy

Candidates will also need to sit an examination based on their study and revision of the texts they focused on in the previous year.

Assessment Criteria:

• Candidates need to answer questions based on textual analysis by using appropriate subject  terminology.
• Candidates need to research the social and historical background of the text under study.
• Candidates need to refer to other readers or critics who have published their ideas and interpretations of the text under study.
• How is the course assessed? 80% examination, 20% coursework.

Future careers linked to this subject:

A facilitating A Level, English Literature is highly regarded by universities and is an excellent preparation for a wide range of degree courses

• Journalism
• Marketing
• Teaching
• Advertising
• Law
• The qualification is a link to many other careers and occupations

Entry Requirements

You would need GCSE Grade 6 minimum in both English Language and English Literature

Examination Board

AQA

Teachers to Contact:

Ms Theodorou