English Literature

Our Literature course is an excellent choice for those students who read widely and want to further develop their passion for Literature.

This A Level explores the representation of love through the ages in poetry, prose and drama texts, as well as looking at how contextual influences impact upon a writer’s choices.

Our Literature course is an excellent choice for those students who read widely and want to further develop their passion for Literature. This A Level explores the representation of love through the ages in poetry, prose and drama texts, as well as looking at how contextual influences impact upon a writer’s choices. The course is intellectually challenging yet highly engaging and accessible. Our chosen texts allow us to analyse the creative force of fiction across time and through a range of genres.

Our examining board for English Literature is AQA, specification A. Their website offers more information.

Both courses are demanding in terms of time and intellect. Any student wishing to study an English course must be willing to read texts independently and be prepared to participate in discussion. The ability to write accurately and analytically is essential. Over the years, English courses have been chosen by students who have combined their studies with A Levels in the Arts, Humanities and Sciences. In recent years, our students have planned careers in journalism, law, the media and teaching.

A minimum of five grade 4 GCSE passes; these must include at least grade 4 in Maths and additionally for this course a Grade 6 in English Language.

English literature is useful for lots of careers. It gives you skills to read critically, write, analyse, evaluate, research independently, debate and challenge. Its good preparation for a degree in subjects such as law, history, philosophy and English literature itself. Careers could include journalism, teaching, public relations, advice work, law, research, media and advertising. There are higher and degree apprenticeships in sectors such as media, administration, business or law.