English Literature A level

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English Literature is an exciting subject which should appeal to anyone who likes reading, writing and language. During the course a variety of books will be read covering the genres of poetry, plays and novels. These texts will be read for enjoyment and then subjected to intensive questioning and analysis. The course places particular emphasis on the consideration of genre and narrative in literary study: so students will look at story-telling in novels and poems, the dramatic genre of tragedy and pastoral literature. In the process, students’ writing and analytical skills will develop and they will be encouraged to think and express themselves creatively and with originality.

Coursework/Examination Requirement
80% examination and 20% coursework.

A Level Course Content
Unit 1: Drama
• Component 1: Drama. Set texts: ‘A Street Car Named Desire’ and one Shakespeare play.
• Students will study aspects of the form of drama via two plays. The central focus of the drama study is the literary text. Students will need to explore the use of literary and dramatic devices and the shaping of meanings in their chosen plays. Students study a tragedy or comedy drama by Shakespeare and another tragedy or comedy drama.

Unit 2: Prose
• Compare two prose texts, one Pre 1900 and one post 1900
• Students will study aspects of prose via two thematically linked texts, at least one of which must be pre-1900.
Literary study of both texts selected for this component should incorporate the links and connections between them, and the contexts in which they were written and received.

Unit 3: Poetry
• Set texts: ‘Poems of the Decade’ and a poetry collection e.g. Victorian poetry.
• Students will study a selection of poems from two published poetry texts. They will consider the concerns and choices of modern-day poets in a selection of contemporary poems. Students will apply their knowledge of poetic form, content and meaning, and develop their skills in comparing an unseen poem with an example of studied poetry. Students will also develop depth of knowledge about poetic style by studying a selection from the work of a single named poet, or a selection from within a literary period or movement. Literary study of the chosen set poems should be enhanced by study of the contexts in which they were written and received.

Unit 4: Coursework
• Free choice of two texts linked by theme, author, movement or period.
• The Literary study of both texts should be enhanced by study of the links and connections between them, different interpretations and the contexts in which they were written and received.

Staff Contact
Mrs J. Rendall (Head of English) - j.rendall@wymcol.org

The College expects students to have
Grade 6 or above in GCSE English Literature and Grade 5 or above in English Language.

English is one of the most popular subjects studied at university and the ability to write clearly and fluently is essential in many areas of employment. Specific careers could include journalism, publishing, marketing, script-writing, performing arts, teaching and law.