English Literature A Level

We have put together a rich and varied English Literature course that will allow students to develop knowledge and skills as they access literature from different periods and cultures. Our students are encouraged to read widely and to read critically. If you love reading and analysing texts this is the perfect course for you.

We study a wide range of poetry, plays and novels with the opportunity for some independent choices. Over the two years we examine the comic genre and look at Shakespeare and Oscar Wilde and texts with a political theme such as ‘The Kite Runner’ and ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’.

Taking English Literature will give you a love of reading that you can carry with you through life. It introduces you to books, plays and poetry that you may not have considered before and encourages plenty of discussion and debate. Plays often translate much better as a performance rather than simply being read so you will have regular trips to the theatre and opportunities to visit London and Stratford upon Avon.

English Literature is highly regarded by universities and employers and is a preferred subject for Russell Group universities.

Unit 1: Comedy

In this unit we study dramatic comedy through William Shakespeare’s ‘The Taming of the Shrew’, Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ and an anthology of comic poetry that spans the centuries.

Unit 2: Political and Social Protest Literature

In this unit we study a range of short extracts as preparation for the unseen critical analysis question on the exam and we also study 3 set texts: ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ by Margaret Atwood, Blake’s ‘Songs of Innocence and Experience’ and ‘The Kite Runner’ by Khaled Hosseini.

Unit 3: Non-examined assessment (NEA)

Students have to produce 2 essays exploring literary texts of their choosing through the lens of different critical theories.

This is a 2 year, linear course and is assessed through 2 exams and a non-examined assessment (coursework).

In addition to the A Level entry requirements of 4 GCSEs at grade 4 including English Language and/or Maths, you will need a minimum of grade 5 in GCSE English.

You could progress to university, higher apprenticeship or employment