English Literature

What is A-Level English Literature?

A Level English Literature is the study of how writers use language, form and structure to create meaning across a range of texts. You will explore how literature reflects and shapes society, identity and values across time. You’ll read a wide variety of texts including plays, novels, and poetry, both classic and modern, and develop your skills in literary analysis, critical thinking and independent research. This subject encourages you to engage with historical and cultural contexts and to develop your own interpretations supported by evidence. If you enjoy reading books, thinking about books and discussing books, then this is the subject for you!

What Will You Study in A-Level English Literature?

You will study an engaging range of literature, from stalwarts of the English literary cannon to more modern texts. You will cover poetry, prose and drama from a range of different authors, and have the opportunity to compare texts, as well as looking at historical context and critical views. Texts will cover issues that remain at the heart of society today, such as gender, sexuality, race and power. Classroom lessons will involve a mixture of lively discussion on the literature studied, as well as timed essay practice to prepare you for your exams.

Modules

Students study the following texts for their three final exams;

Drama - Williams' 'A Streetcar Named Desire' and Shakespeare's 'Othello'.
Prose - Shelley's 'Frankenstein' and Ishiguro's 'Never Let Me Go'.
Poetry - 20 poems from the Forward Anthology, plus unseen poetry and Chaucer's 'The Wife of Bath's Prologue and Tale.'
Students also complete an extended essay for coursework (NEA), studying Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby' and a partner text of their choosing from an approved list.

What Next after Completing A-Level English Literature?

Popular degree courses chosen by past students have included English Literature, Linguistics, Creative Writing, Journalism and Drama at top universities such as Lancaster, Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, Edinburgh, Bristol and York. Students who have studied English Literature at A-Level have gone on to a broad range of careers including teaching, journalism, publishing and marketing to name a few. We even have some past students training with us within the department to become English teachers!

What is the Exam Board for A-Level English Literature?

Edexcel

How will I be assessed?

Over the two years of study, students will sit 5 Common Assessment Points (CAPs) to monitor their progress as well as completing practice essays in class and for homework. The overall qualification will be made up of three final exams at the end of Year 13 (Drama, Prose and Poetry) which equates to 80% of the grade, and then a piece of NEA (coursework) which is worth 20% of the grade.

What are the Entry Requirements for A-Level English Literature?

At least five 5s at GCSE, including at least a 6 in English Language and English Literature.

Have you considered studying a Mixed Programme (A-Levels and BTECs)? Whether you’re on target to achieve five 5s in your GCSEs or not, there may still be an option to study A-Levels alongside a BTEC qualification at Newman.

What Enrichment is on offer in this subject?

There are a wide range of enrichment opportunities including:

Theatre trips to see Shakespeare and modern drama performed live

University taster days and lectures

The Newman Tab

Creative writing group

Book Club

Opportunities to enter national competitions for writing

Support with preparing for university-level study, including Oxbridge and English-related degree applications

What other subjects go well with this subject?

English Literature complements lots of subjects including:

English Language

History

Politics

Philosophy/ EPR

Drama and Theatre Studies

Modern Foreign Languages

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