English Literature

WHY SHOULD I STUDY A-LEVEL ENGLISH LITERATURE?

The first reason would be for the enjoyment of the texts; this is a subject-based around the study of texts (poetry, prose, and drama) and your understanding of them. You will learn to express your thoughts coherently and logically, as well as to develop analytical skills that will be useful in any future study or career path.

The literature will also enhance your success in many other subjects and can act as a complementary subject to courses such as Mathematics and Science. Many students go on to study Literature or related subjects at university.

WHAT WILL I LEARN ABOUT?

The course you will follow covers a wide range of interesting texts drawn from all three genres: prose, poetry and drama. Some texts will be challenging because the language and ideas may be unfamiliar to you; others may have just been published and could give you a fresh insight into the world you know.

You will explore the theme of ‘Love through the Ages’ analysing thematically linked texts, which include a Shakespeare play, as well as prose, poetry and drama from a range of authors. You will also study contextually linked texts and complete an independent comparison of texts for the Non-Examined Assessment.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

• You will sit examinations at the end of Year 13.
• The course is 80% examination, with 20% for Non-Examined Assessment. There are two examinations, both worth 40% of the A-Level.

WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP?

Throughout this course you will develop your skills in the following areas:

• Analytical skills, as well as comparing texts and considering the impact of context on how texts are received.
• Developing your style to write effective formal essays.
• Research skills by choosing areas of literature which interest you.
• Skills of discussion and debate through small group and whole-class discussions.

WHERE COULD THIS TAKE ME IN THE FUTURE?

English Literature is a facilitating subject and can lead to degrees in Arts and Humanities based subjects, creative courses such as Journalism, as well as wider options such as Law. Careers could include Teaching, Marketing, Advertising and Publishing, as well as fields such as law, politics and business.

Exam Board: AQA | Course Code: 7712