A Level English Literature

Exam Board

 AQA

Entry Requirements

 Grade 5 or above in GCSE English or GCSE English Literature

What will I study?

Consistently one of our most popular ‘facilitating’ A Level courses, English literature allows students to experience a range of different texts across various time periods and genres.

 

The set texts allow students to develop their passion and understanding for poetry, prose and drama as well as engaging in meaningful debates about different interpretations and critical theories.

 

Students are given structured support and guidance with whole class discussions and activities, as well as being given the opportunity to expand their breadth and depth of knowledge through independent research and study.

Assessment

Paper 1: Love through the ages
Study of three texts: one poetry and one prose text, of which one must be written pre-1900, and one Shakespeare play. Examination will include two unseen poems

 

Paper 2: Texts in Shared Contexts
Modern times: Literature from 1945 to the present day
Study of three texts: one prose, one poetry, and one drama, of which one must be written post-2000
Examination will include an unseen extract

 

Non-exam assessment: Independent Critical Study: Texts across Time
Comparative critical study of two texts, at least one of which must have been written pre-1900. One extended essay (2500 words) and a bibliography

What skills will I gain?

 • Increased literacy and essay-writing abilities.
• Universities appreciate that literature students can formulate and evidence an original argument.
• An understanding of the issues surrounding Western canon and its relevance to contemporary society and culture.
• Increased understanding of human behaviour, emotions and relationships.

Studying Beyond the Classroom 

• Theatre and cinema trips to appreciate how different interpretations and live performance can enhance understanding of texts.
• Opportunity to enhance key skills through formal debating club competitions.

Future Pathways

• Teacher – primary, secondary, further and higher education.
• Lawyer
• Journalist
• Librarian
• Author
• Publisher