A Level: English Literature

The aim of the course is to encourage candidates to develop their interest in and enjoyment of literature and literary studies as they:

• read widely and independently both set texts and others that they have selected for themselves
• engage creatively with a substantial body of texts and ways of responding to them;
• develop and effectively apply their knowledge of literary analysis and evaluation in speech and writing.

Component 1- Shakespeare and Drama and Poetry Pre 1900 (40%)

Component 2- Close Reading of American Literature, comparative and contextual study (40%)

Component 3- Coursework on a choice of texts (20%)

Components 1 and 2 are closed text exams worth 40% each.

Component 1 exam: 2 hours 30 minutes

Component 2 exam: 2 hours 30 minutes

Component 3 coursework worth 20%

A Level

Components 1 and 2 are closed text exams. Component 3 is a coursework exam.

Component 1 exam: 2 hours 30 minutes

Component 2 exam: 2 hours 30 minutes

For all Level 3 pathways five passes (9-4) or more at GCSE's are required including at least Grade 4 in Maths and / or English Language. Grade 6 in English Literature is desirable. A love of reading and writing is also an important prerequisite, as you will be exploring a wide range of texts on this course and writing about them, sometimes creatively. You need to display a positive attitude and a healthy curiosity to learn.

Whether you are taking English Literature because it is your "best subject", your favourite subject or because it combines well with your other A levels, you will find it a perfect preparation for a range of careers, including: advertising, broadcasting, film and stage work, information science and abstracting, journalism, law, librarianship, market research, personnel management, printing, public relations, publishing, secretarial work, speech therapy, teaching, writing, the civil service, local government and many others.