English Literature A Level
Overview
You will develop the ability to analyse different texts and make connections between them. You will also be introduced to the contextual factors that shape the writing and reading of a text.
You will study a wide range of texts including Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams, the poetry of Edward Thomas and Alun Lewis, Shakespeare’s King Lear and Alice Walker’s The Color Purple.
Objectives:
- To develop an interest and enjoyment of English Literature through reading widely
- To develop and effectively apply knowledge of literary analysis and evaluation
- To explore the contexts of the texts you are reading and others’ interpretations of them.
Outcomes:
- You will have the ability to make an informed response to a wide range of texts
- You will understand the contextual factors that influence a writer
- You will be able to complete an independent study of literary texts.
Key information
- A minimum of seven GCSEs grades A*-C
- A Grade B in GCSE English Literature and English Language is essential.
Assessment will include timed assignments, presentations and a mock exam at Christmas.
At AS Level:
- Unit 1 – Prose and Drama – exam
- Unit 2 – Poetry Post -1900 – exam
At A Level:
- Unit 3 – Poetry pre-1900 – exam
- Unit 4 – Shakespeare – exam
- Unit 5 – Prose Study – Non-examined assessment. This is a 3,000 word essay comparing a novel written before 2000 with one written after.
Progression opportunities include university study and careers that require a high level of confidence in communicating either orally or through writing. These may include creative writing, journalism, advertising and communications or teaching.