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Qualification
Qualification
A Level
A Level
Exam Board
Exam Board
OCR
OCR
Why should I study English Literature?
Why should I study English Literature?
A love of reading is the foundation for success in this subject. In addition, some of you may have already started to experience the satisfaction to be derived from studying a text in detail and are keen to develop this skill; others of you may feel that you have yet to experience this enjoyment.
A love of reading is the foundation for success in this subject. In addition, some of you may have already started to experience the satisfaction to be derived from studying a text in detail and are keen to develop this skill; others of you may feel that you have yet to experience this enjoyment.
However, if you are fond of debate, revel in new ideas and ways of thinking and take pleasure in analysing why people behave as they do, then you are likely to find that English Literature will prove a rewarding subject to follow.
However, if you are fond of debate, revel in new ideas and ways of thinking and take pleasure in analysing why people behave as they do, then you are likely to find that English Literature will prove a rewarding subject to follow.
In addition to being given the opportunity to offer your own personal response to texts and ideas derived from close reading, the course encourages students to reflect on how context and time affect interpretations of literature, and to explore a rich diversity of language.
In addition to being given the opportunity to offer your own personal response to texts and ideas derived from close reading, the course encourages students to reflect on how context and time affect interpretations of literature, and to explore a rich diversity of language.
What students say
What students say
'A rewarding and challenging subject. I was provided with incredible support and given a wealth of knowledge to pull from. It was the exam I felt most prepared for and the lessons I enjoyed attending most.' - Year 13 student, 2024
'It’s enlightening to the soul, it opens your eyes to the world, authors, history and stories that are iconic.' - Year 13 student, 2024
'Aside from analysing texts and such, you learn a lot of profound things and learn a range of different perspectives.' - Year 13 student, 2024
'[A Level Literature] is transferable to most aspects of your wider career whatever it may be.' - Year 13 student, 2024
“Studying English Literature has expanded my mind to a whole new level, the course has been interesting since the beginning. My favourite part is the open discussions we have in class about our analysis and interpretations”. Kieran Howlett (6th Form Alumni) University of York
" In A level English literature, you get the chance to explore major and influential literary works. through this you will gain an understanding of the way things are written and the reason for writing this way, skills that can be applied to all written work" Rachel King (6th Form Alumni) University of Essex
'English literature is my favorite A level Subject due to the synoptic element of the course. When looking across the course, you discover links between topics that are often controversial, exploring many different eras of time, as well as understanding and being able to un piece complex implied meanings. This, as well as the many main topics of english literature, such as dystopia, widens your eyes to the reality we currently live in, and how we would feel if the events of a dystopia were our actual reality, and also the actual possibility of this being completely possible. Additionally, the topic of poetry can be simple, but convey the strongest, wisest messages, that are often quite beautiful in their own way. And so, not only do you earn a more in depth understanding and appreciation of the works of English Literature, you also learn a great deal about life itself. ' Grace Barrett (6th Form Alumni)
Enrichment
Enrichment
Where possible, you will watch stage performances of the set drama texts. We invite external speakers to share their expertise with the class, and FX6 alumni visit the school to discuss their experiences of studying Literature at university. Trips to universities are also available, either for workshops on set texts or taster days.
What does the course involve and how will I be assessed?
What does the course involve and how will I be assessed?
This is a two year course. There is no option to sit AS exams at the end of Year 12.
This is a two year course. There is no option to sit AS exams at the end of Year 12.
Component One
Component One
Drama and Poetry pre-1900 (including Shakespeare).
Drama and Poetry pre-1900 (including Shakespeare).
You will study one of Shakespeare’s plays, taking into consideration historical context, alternative interpretations, and performance. You will study another pre-1900 play and compare it to a pre-1900 poem studied in class.
You will study one of Shakespeare’s plays, taking into consideration historical context, alternative interpretations, and performance. You will study another pre-1900 play and compare it to a pre-1900 poem studied in class.
40% of A level
Component Two
Component Two
You will undertake a comparative and contextual study of dystopian literature.
You will undertake a comparative and contextual study of dystopian literature.
You will study two dystopian literature novels in class, which will facilitate a comparison in the final exam. You will also look at extracts from dystopian fiction in order to prepare for the ‘Unseen Prose’ section of the final exam.
You will study two dystopian literature novels in class, which will facilitate a comparison in the final exam. You will also look at extracts from dystopian fiction in order to prepare for the ‘Unseen Prose’ section of the final exam.
40% of A level
Component Three
Component Three
This is similar to a ‘coursework’ unit. You will focus on three post-1900 texts: one prose; one play; one poem. One of these texts will have been published post-2000.
This is similar to a ‘coursework’ unit. You will focus on three post-1900 texts: one prose; one play; one poem. One of these texts will have been published post-2000.
Your first piece of coursework will be a 1000-word critical appraisal of a poem studied in class. The second piece of coursework will focus on comparing a particular theme in a novel and a play. The play will be studied in class but you are free to choose any novel of literary merit. This essay will be around 2000 words.
Your first piece of coursework will be a 1000-word critical appraisal of a poem studied in class. The second piece of coursework will focus on comparing a particular theme in a novel and a play. The play will be studied in class but you are free to choose any novel of literary merit. This essay will be around 2000 words.
20% of A level
How is the course assessed?
How is the course assessed?
Components one and two are assessed through written examination. Component three is assessed through coursework.
Components one and two are assessed through written examination. Component three is assessed through coursework.
Opportunities for progression
Opportunities for progression
The study of English Literature has long been seen as an important qualification for journalists, lawyers, teachers and those considering professions related to the world of media and communications. For students applying to university, a qualification in English Literature retains its reputation as a sound indicator of academic potential.
The study of English Literature has long been seen as an important qualification for journalists, lawyers, teachers and those considering professions related to the world of media and communications. For students applying to university, a qualification in English Literature retains its reputation as a sound indicator of academic potential.
Many of our A Level Literature students have chosen to study a Bachelor's degree in Literature at university:
Many of our A Level Literature students have chosen to study a Bachelor's degree in Literature at university:
English Literature - University of Warwick
English Literature - University of Warwick
Literature and Film - University of Leeds
Literature and Film - University of Leeds
English (Literature) with Creative Writing - Royal Holloway
English Literature - University of Brighton
English Literature - University of Brighton
Literature and Film - University of East Anglia
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between English Literature and English Language?
Q: What is the difference between English Literature and English Language?
A: The English Literature course focuses on fiction, whereas English Language is the study of non-fiction texts. The two subjects do share some similarities: both subjects pay close attention to the contexts in which texts are produced, and both subjects require forensic analysis of the way writers use language to further an agenda. Like GCSE English Literature, the A level is concerned with novels, poetry, and plays.
A: The English Literature course focuses on fiction, whereas English Language is the study of non-fiction texts. The two subjects do share some similarities: both subjects pay close attention to the contexts in which texts are produced, and both subjects require forensic analysis of the way writers use language to further an agenda. Like GCSE English Literature, the A level is concerned with novels, poetry, and plays.
Q: Which subjects go well with English Literature?
Q: Which subjects go well with English Literature?
A: Aside from English Language, there are several subjects which work well alongside English Literature. It would complement any subject which explores human behaviour or culture: Drama, History, Psychology, Sociology, and Film Studies.
A: Aside from English Language, there are several subjects which work well alongside English Literature. It would complement any subject which explores human behaviour or culture: Drama, History, Psychology, Sociology, and Film Studies.
Subject Link:
Subject Link:
Dr E Norton
Dr E Norton
enorton@fxs.org.uk
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