English Literature A level

For entry into the Sixth Form to study 3 A' Levels, students are required to achieve 5 grades at 9-5 (or where applicable A*-C) including English Language and Mathematics at Grade 4 or above.

In exceptional cases, students that do not reach the entry criteria based on their attainment in English or mathematics will be admitted to the 6th form with the addition of GCSE retake classes in the appropriate subject to their timetable. This based on 6th form discretion.

While we would encourage students to study 3 A levels, in exceptional cases and following conversation at interview we may support a student to study 4. All students will have the option to study for Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) alongside their A levels.

A grade 6 is recommended in any subject that a student wishes to continue at A Level. Students are welcome to discuss entry criteria for specific subjects and to ensure that their subject choices match their goals and aspirations.

Students wishing to study Mathematics require a grade 6 and in Further Maths require a Grade 7 in the subject at GCSE.

ENGLISH LITERATURE

A level AQA 7712

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Do you love reading? Do you enjoy discussing and analysing the themes and ideas raised in literary texts? Then this course could be for you. During the year, you’ll read a range of texts from different times and genres and we’ll teach you to critically analyse them. At the same time, you will learn how to think and evaluate, and how to structure a cogent argument. These are all useful skills for degree courses and various professions. You will be expected to read independently and widely in both years of the course. The exam board expects students of this course to become autonomous readers.

Course details:

Love through the ages – 40% of A level

This part of the course will focus on the theme of love as seen in literature over time. During this part of the course, we’ll be studying the following texts:

• Othello by William Shakespeare.
• Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
• AQA Anthology of Love Poetry – featuring a range of poets from across time.

Texts in shared contexts - 40% of A level

The aim of this topic area is to explore connections between texts written within a particular time period. For example, students may look at texts written from 1945 onwards, studying social and political issues and how they are presented in literature. During this part of the course, we’ll be studying the following texts:

• Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates
• Feminine Gospels by Carol Ann Duffy
• Cat on a hot tin roof by Tennessee Williams.

Independent critical study: Texts across time – non-exam assessment - 20% of A level

The non-exam assessment is a piece of coursework. Students will prepare for the assessment in lessons, but they will write the assessment in their own time. For this part of the course, students will write a 2500 word critical study that focuses on two texts of their choice.

Should I take English language and literature or just English Literature?

You should be aware that both subjects are academic and challenging. They each involve a considerable amount of reading and writing. In the past, some have viewed English language and literature as an easier option; this is certainly not the case anymore.

Choose English language and literature if…

• You enjoy reading a range of fiction and non-fiction texts.
• You are interested in exploring how language works.
• You have an enquiring mind and are willing to research and investigate fiction and non-fiction texts.
• You enjoy creative writing (however, this is a small proportion of the course and is assessed in an exam).

Choose English Literature if…

• You enjoy reading – you’ll be studying at least 9 texts from different genres and times.
• You enjoy thinking critically about texts, exploring your ideas in debates and essays.
• You have a passion for individual study and investigation – you’ll be writing a 2500 word independent study.
• You enjoy learning about the social and historical background of texts and writers.

To complete an A Level in this subject it is necessary to achieve a Grade 5 at GCSE in a similar type of subject, although we strongly advise that students should be looking at achieving at least a Grade 6 at GCSE in a similar type of subject to have a secure platform for entry on to the course.

Where can English Literature lead you?

English Literature is recognised as a rigorous, academic course, well respected by the more traditional universities. It is a good preparation for more traditional and academic degree courses. Students of literature are educated and cultured; they are successful in diverse areas employment for example: journalism, advertising, television, law, accountancy and business, as well as in teaching.