English Literature
Head of Department: Ms H Wimbush
Awarding Body: AQA
Entry Requirements: GCSE Grade 5 or above in English Literature
Person specification: Our main responsibilities are enthusiasm, co-operation, participation, preparation and dedication. English is a challenging option; ability and commitment are essential for success.
Course Description
The A-level qualification is a two-year course which consists of three components.
Paper 1
You will study three texts: one Shakespeare text; a second drama text and one further text, of which one must be written pre-1900. You will be assessed by a two and a half hour written examination which will include one passage-based question on a set Shakespeare text, one essay question based on the same text and one essay question linking the other texts.
Paper 2
You will study three texts: one post-2000 prose text; one poetry text and one further text, one of which must be written pre-1900. The three-hour written examination will include one compulsory question on an unseen passage, one essay question on a set text and one essay question which connects two texts.
Coursework
Consists of the study of two texts: one poetry and one prose text, informed by study of a critical anthology.
We offer English Language and English Literature at Advanced level. It is possible to study both of these subjects at the same time, if you wish. Students of each subject will be taught by a team of two or more teachers, so that a variety of viewpoints and approaches is presented.
Progression
Further study: Previous students have gone on to study courses at a wide range of universities including Oxford, King’s College London, Edinburgh and Trinity College Dublin in recent years. Love of literature inspires many students go on to study English Literature with some opting for joint honours courses with subjects like Law, History and Film.
Careers: The study of English Literature combines well with many other subjects and is a good basis for careers in Education, Media, Journalism, Law, Business and many others.