A-Level
Careers related to studying English Literature:
If you choose to study English Literature, you will develop comprehensive written and spoken communication skills, becoming adept at arguing a point, framing a narrative and analysing various levels of meaning. As a result, English Literature students can be found in every industry, filling a variety of roles from editor to academic, or legal advisor to manager.
You could consider careers in media, publishing, journalism, teaching, advertising, marketing, PR, public sector, law or business.
Course content:
Through studying this course, you will increase your power of analysis and further your knowledge of the wonderful world of literature. You will study various literary texts from the three genres of drama, poetry and prose. The texts are taken from a range of time periods and will include both modern and pre-1900 texts. You will also develop the ability to express yourself in written and oral forms and to formulate opinions based on the ideas of others.
Entry requirements:
You must achieve grade 6 in GCSE English Literature.
Methods of study:
There are four lessons per week which are divided between two subject specialists. Teaching groups tend to be between eight and sixteen in number, and the course is taught through a range of innovative teaching and learning strategies.
These strategies include group discussion (whole group, small group and pairs), close reading and annotation of texts and the use of audio/visual stimuli. You will also prepare presentations (individual, paired or small group) and will report back on your findings.
Much of your work will be produced independently. However, there are frequent opportunities to share ideas either prior to, during or after written assignments. You should expect to complete approximately four hours of independent study outside of your lessons. This could include reading, research, essay writing or other activities such as watching the plays in production. In order to take full advantage of the course, we strongly urge you to read a range of texts from different genres and time periods.
Methods of assessment:
Component 1 – Drama
You will study Othello by William Shakespeare and A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams.
This is externally assessed and worth 30% of the qualification.
Component 2 – Prose
You will compare the novels Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. This is externally assessed and worth 20% of the qualification.
Component 3 – Poetry
You will study Romantic poetry, modern poetry and unseen poetry. This is externally assessed and worth 30% of the qualification.
Component 4 – Coursework
You will produce one assignment (2500-3000 words) comparing two texts of your choice.
This is externally assessed and worth 20% of the qualification.