A Level English Literature

English literature follows a contemporary approach to Literature which subscribes to the ‘Death of the Author ’ theory and is interested in individual responses to the texts that individuals read and experience. The specification welcomes quirky and independent interpretations of canonical and modern texts, and the coursework unit allows students the opportunity to make their own independent choices of texts to explore.

In particular, two specific genres will be studied: Aspects of Tragedy, a traditional literary genre that focuses on the dangers of pride and ambition through flawed characters, and Elements of Crime Writing: a modern and popularist genre that focuses on the elements of crime writing employed by writers to question the natures of innocence and criminality. Students will also complete an independent study of two texts (one novel, one poetry), in which they will formulate a question to investigate the texts from a critical perspective. This forms the Non-Exam Assessment (NEA), which is worth 20% of the course.

• AQA Critical Anthology (a selection of readings based on different literary viewpoints including eco-critical, feminism and Marxism)

• A minimum of two texts of their own choice (one poetry, one prose)

There is an increased focus on independence this year with students completing two essays on texts which they will select themselves. This gives students the fantastic opportunity to explore their own interests and has been a very popular unit in previous specifications. The only limit is the word count!

Extra-Curricular Opportunities

We are hoping to run trips to the theatre to The National Theatre and The Globe, London and also the Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. We intend to visit the Cheltenham Literature Festival.

80% examination, 20% non-exam assessment

General entry requirements of 5 GCSE grades at grade 4 or above. Plus a grade 5 in English Literature and Language.

English Literature is a fantastic option choice for A level as it provides students with a firm foundation for the essay writing and research skills that are usually required at university. Previous students of A level English literature have gone on to study not only English at degree level, but other courses such as speech and language therapy, chemistry and veterinary science. The qualification has broad appeal for universities. The study of English literature develops students’ academic skills and also allows them to flourish on a personal level. The emotive and engaging nature of the texts that are studied at A level prompts reflection and an understanding of the wider world across different times and places.