English Literature

This is a subject for people who like reading and talking about books and the ways in which writers get us involved in their imagined worlds. It encourages you to think for yourself and also develops your ability to analyse what you read and to understand the ways in which writers try to manipulate your thinking. It trains you to express your answers clearly and fully and teaches you to put together persuasive and convincing arguments. A grade 6 in English and/or English Literature will make it easier for you to make the change from GCSE to A-level study.

What will you study and learn?

You will study a number of texts, some of them in detail in class, some of them more independently. Many lessons will be spent discussing extracts from texts to help you develop a close knowledge and understanding of them. You will learn about the social and historical contexts in which these texts were written, and study a range of authors and genres, both modern and traditional, as well as some critical opinions of them. You will also learn how to write structured, organised, and thorough essays.

Course content and examinations

We follow the AQA A English Literature specification, which particularly encourages students to become confident independent readers. This specification requires students to study a range of drama, poetry and prose texts.

A-level units:

Paper 1: Love Through The Ages Students study a Shakespeare play, one prose text and a selection of poetry.

These might include such texts as ‘Atonement’, ‘The Great Gatsby’ and ‘Othello’.

Paper 2: Texts in Shared Contexts This unit requires students to study a range of texts across the three genres, prose, poetry and drama, linked by a common theme. Currently the texts are related to the First World War and its aftermath and the chosen texts are ‘Life Class’ by Pat Barker and ‘Journey’s End’ by R.C. Sherriff.

Paper 3: Non-examination assessment This is a coursework unit in which students select two contrasting texts of their own choice, one of which is pre-1900. They work independently with tutorial support from teaching staff, on a task that particularly appeals to each individual student. The final essay should be 2500 words.

Where could the subject take you?

English Literature is useful for students going on to study a wide range of subjects at university, as well as a variety of English degrees. It provides a good background for any arts degree, and can provide a wider perspective for those planning to study for science or technology degrees. English degrees can lead to many different careers, including those in education, journalism, business and entertainment.