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A Level English Literature

A Level English Literature

Course Summary

The A Level Literature course will comprise the study of at least eight texts published or performed across a range of time and across the major literary genres of poetry, prose and drama. Students will be expected to read set texts as well as others that they have selected for themselves thereby engaging critically and creatively with a substantial body of texts and ways of responding to them. They will develop and effectively apply their knowledge of literary analysis and evaluation whilst exploring the contexts of the texts they are reading and others’ interpretations of them.

During the course, students will undertake independent and sustained studies to deepen their appreciation and understanding of English literature, including its changing traditions.

Careers / Progression

Students who complete the course will be well prepared for further specialist study in literature or language-based courses at university, or diverse courses or careers in many fields, for example drama, journalism, media, psychology, politics, philosophy, business, education and law. 

Past students have gone on to study a range of English based courses at University including Journalism, Creative Writing, American Studies, Teaching and English Literature.

Entry Requirements

Grade 6 in English Language or English Literature.

Examination Board

Edexcel

Assessment

Component

Percentage of Course

Content

1 - Drama

30%

Open book written examination containing two essay responses (one on Hamlet and one on A Streetcar Named Desire).

2 - Prose

20%

Open book written examination. Answer one comparative essay question from a choice of two on their studied theme.

3 - Poetry

30%

Open book written examination consisting of two sections: one comparative essay question and one essay question.

4 - Coursework

20%

Students select one of the taught texts and one text of their choice and write one extended comparative essay.

Careers / Progression

Students who complete the course will be well prepared for further specialist study in literature or language-based courses at university, or diverse courses or careers in many fields, for example drama, journalism, media, psychology, politics, philosophy, business, education and law. 

Past students have gone on to study a range of English based courses at University including Journalism, Creative Writing, American Studies, Teaching and English Literature.