Exam Board: AQA
Subject contact: Alex Harvey
English Literature is the academic study of texts from different genres. The course is suited to
those students who enjoy engaging in critical debates and arguments, analytical essay writing
and most importantly, reading for pleasure.
Students will learn why texts have been written and received in particular ways over a wide time
period, studying texts from medieval through to modern day.
The course includes the theme of ‘Love through the Ages’ as well as literature from our thematic option. As part of the course, students will study Shakespeare, poetry, prose and drama texts. Students will also undertake wider critical reading as well as enjoying texts independently and deliver termly presentations about what they have read.
English Literature is a highly respected course and is considered one of the top academic A-Level courses to study by leading universities. This is due to the amount of essay writing, independent reading and presentations, all skills required by most university courses. These skills are transferable to many professions, whether they are English related or not.
Related areas students enter after studying English include:
Publishing and Journalism
Teaching and Education
Creative Writing and Media
Law
Marketing and Public Relations
Human Resource
Business
Paper 1: Love through the Ages
(40% of A Level)
In this unit, students will study three texts:
one poetry and prose text, of which one must be written pre-1900, and one Shakespeare play. The unit explores how the theme of love has been presented over time, from medieval through to modern literature. Students will consider contextual influences.
Examination will include two unseen poems.
Assessment: Written exam - 3 hours
(Answer one question from each section)
Paper 2 – Texts in Shared Context
(40% of A-Level)
In this unit, students will study three texts:
one prose, one poetry and one drama, all of
which are either based on the theme of the struggle for Modern Identity Post 1945.
Examination will include unseen prose.
Assessment: Written exam – 2 hours 30 minutes (Answer 3 essay based questions)
Coursework – Independent Critical Study (20% of A-Level)
Students plan and write an extended essay of 2500 words comparing two texts, one of which must have been written pre1900.
Students choose their own title.
*get examples of previous titles