Do you have a love of literature, and are ready to explore how literature offers a voice? Are you keen to explore how authors express themselves and learn how literature has changed the world through novels, plays, poems and other literary forms, through stimulating and lively lessons?
A Level English Literature is a fascinating, engaging and thought provoking A Level. You’ll investigate and explore a wide range of texts, to understand how the author is communicating with the audience, and develop your own views. Some of these views may be hotly debated!
You will be expected to read plenty of different texts throughout this A Level, so a keen interest in reading is essential. It is important to note that independent and wider reading is a key feature of this course.
You'll need to meet the entry criteria for your chosen pathway and a grade 5 in GCSE English Literature.
For further information on the pathways, please click here.
You will read six different authors which include:
- Texts linked to the theme of protest. Texts include Songs of Innocence and of Experience by William Blake, The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini and A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen
- Texts linked to the themes of tragedy including Shakespeare’s Othello, Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller and a selection of poetry by John Keats
- Texts for your coursework include reading a further poetry text and a novel independently chosen by you (with advice from your teacher)
- You’ll also undertake two non-examination assessed (NEA) pieces, one poetry and one prose
Educate, Enrich, Enlighten
With regular theatre trips, you will gain a new perspective on the texts you study. Our teachers are highly qualified and passionate about their subject, and are all qualified in their field. In addition to an outstanding experience in the classroom, you can expect a range of trips, visits and inspiring guest speakers.
There are a range of extra-curricular opportunities available that we encourage you to get involved in such as writing for the College publication and participating in our own short story competition. Our students have benefitted from:
- Writing for the College publication
- Taking part in national competitions such as Poetry by Heart
- Attending the HNC Book Club
- Taking part in Debate Club
- Visiting universities
- Having short stories published in national anthologies via Young Writers
- Taking part in theatre visits
This course is assessed via examinations (80%) and coursework (20%).
English Literature is a highly regarded subject, and supports progression to a huge range of courses and careers, far beyond the obvious options such as English, Journalism or Creative Writing. Due to the skills you will develop such as debate, critical reading, confidence and problem solving studying A Level English Literature is a huge advantage for degrees in subjects such as Law or Science – there are almost endless opportunities on offer! There are few careers and degrees where the skills and knowledge you’ll develop are not an asset.
What does this course go well with or what may you like?
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Good to Know
Your experience will develop a wide range of transferable skills such as the ability to analyse, persuade and contrast an argument. Your lessons involve plenty of discussion, debate and working with others. You’ll hone your debate skills, and broaden your horizons
Where Are They Now?
Emily Wilde
Film Studies at the University of Hull
