English Literature - A Level

In Year 12 you will study a Shakespearean tragedy, a selection of poetry from the Romantic Era and a modern play. In Year 13 you will study a post 2000 modern novel, pre-1900 poetry and another 20th century novel. You will also study a selection of critical theorists and apply this theory to all texts across both years. The critical anthology will form an integral part of your thesis argument for both pieces of your independent study essays.

This course is 80% exam based and 20% NEA. Students will complete one two and a half hour exam and one three hour exam at the end of the second year.

Paper 1: Literary genres

Paper 2: Texts and genres

NEA: Theory and independence

Paper 1 is a study of three texts: one Shakespeare text; a second drama text and one further text, of which one must be written pre-1900.

Paper 2 is a Study of three texts: one post-2000 prose text; one poetry and one further text, one of which must be written pre-1900. This examination also includes an unseen passage.

Students must have a good writing ability and a minimum of a Grade 5 in English Language and/or Literature is required.

English Literature A-level is an essential subject for an English degree. Some drama, media studies, and law degree courses will also ask for an English literature or language A-level. It is widely recognised by universities that the skills developed through the study of English Literature are among the most transferable, with English graduates going on to develop the widest range of careers — among the most popular are publishing, broadcasting, marketing and PR, journalism, law, teaching and politics.