English Literature 

Details of the Examination Specification

English Literature Pearson Edexcel A Level (9ET0)

What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course? 

Requirements: GCSE English Language B Grade and GCSE English Literature B grade and above. 

An understanding and enjoyment of Reading and Literature (prose, poetry and drama).

Good written communication skills and an understanding of essay writing skills. 

What will I learn on this A Level course? 

At A Level English Literature, students will undertake independent and sustained studies to deepen their appreciation and understanding of English literature, including its changing traditions.

The course enables students to:

·      read widely and independently, set texts and others that they have selected for themselves

·      engage critically and creatively with a substantial body of texts

·     develop and effectively apply their knowledge of literary analysis and explore texts, contexts and interpretations

Students will be taught various genres of literature, critical theory and literary analysis.  You will thus develop a range of skills required to study English Literature at University. This is a facilitating course and the skills learned will help prepare students for a wide range of university courses, such as:

· Academic Research 

·  Administration

·  Civil Service

·         Comparative Literature

·         Creative Writing

·        Copy Writing

·         Diplomatic Service

·         Education (Teaching/Lecturing)

·         Event Management

·         History

·         Law

·         Management

·         Media /Journalism

·         Politics

·         Translation/Interpretation

What kind of student is this course suitable for? 

Particularly suitable for those who enjoy reading, are willing to think independently about texts and enjoy the challenge of developing and extending their viewpoints through discussion. 

What examinations will I have to take to get my qualification? 

The full A Level is a two-year course, with the following components:

·         Component 1: Drama: Tragedy – study of one play by Shakespeare and one other play from the tragic genre (30%)

·         Component 2: Prose: study of 2 prose texts, one of which must be pre-1900, on a similar theme (20%)

·         Component 3: Poetry: study of anthology of modern poetry + unseen and study of a specified literary period (30%)

·         Coursework: study of two texts based on students’ wider reading (20%)

Coursework / Special arrangements / Other requirements 

Only one coursework component for the full A-Level. 

All exams are open book – clean copies of the texts may be taken into the exam.

Please note that this course may be run in collaboration with other schools.