A Level English Literature

In the first year the emphasis is on modern texts, from classics like ‘Tess of the d’Urbervilles' to contemporary best-sellers like Khaled Hosseini's superb 'A Thousand Splendid Suns'. The choice of plays is similarly varied with popular frothy comedies like 'The Importance of being Earnest' and gritty tragedies like 'A Street Car Named Desire.' The poetry selection is an inspiring anthology of modern verse from the past ten years.

Shakespeare's ‘King Lear’ is the central focus in the second year, together with Modernist poetry that has changed the world. You will also study two texts for coursework: Fitzgerald’s ‘The Great Gatsby’ and Ibsen’s ‘Hedda Gabler’. Tutorial assistance is always available and there will be frequent theatre and cinema trips.

The course is enhanced by trips to the theatre and cinema to experience dramatized versions of the texts you will study. We promote and support our students’ creative writing via the Young Writers initiative and in 2019 this led to one student’s work finding publication.

Assessment at A Level is by exam at the end of two years plus a piece of assessed coursework.

At least 5 GCSEs or more grades A*/9 - C/4 including English Literature & English Language grade B/5 whcih is essential.

Will accept Maths grade D/3.

A degree in English Literature can lead to a range of careers, both as a single honours and as half a joint honours degree. Graduates have continued into teaching or administrative posts, as well as advertising, journalism, or many careers for which a skilled and flexible use of language is an essential component.