A Level English Literature

Board: AQA B

Head of Department: Nora Evans

Why study English Literature at A’ Level?
Below are some of the best reasons for studying English at A-level:

You read books for pleasure and call it work

‘The reading you do before the age of twenty-five has a greater impact on your life than all the books you read thereafter’

It teaches you how to think and how to trust your personal response

It gives you new perspectives on the world

It encourages open-minded thinking and alternative interpretations

We offer wider reading lunchtime classes

You learn to read and write in a sharp and critical way

You develop skills such as essay writing, which you can transfer to other subjects

You learn that language is both adaptable and precise

There is an opportunity for writing re-creative responses

You learn how to argue a case

Discussion is central to every lesson

There is no single or right answer

Your own opinions are crucially important

‘Private and personal worlds are made public through literature’

It emphasises independent thinking, imaginative responses and the enjoyment of reading at many levels

AS

Unit 1: Aspects of Narrative Examination 30% of A’ level Four texts: two novels and two poetry texts.
Unit 2: Dramatic Genres Coursework: 20% of A’ level Two pieces in response to texts within the dramatic genre of Tragedy.

A2

Unit 3: Texts and Genres Examination 30% of A’ level Study of either Elements of the Gothic or Elements of the Pastoral.
Unit 4: Further and Independent Reading Coursework 20% of A’ level Comparative study of two texts and application of critical material to a literary text.

Entry Requirements

B Grade in English and in English Literature at GCSE. Keen interest in reading essential!