English Literature

What is it about?

Reading. A love of reading. Challenging your own ideas and beliefs and comparing them with a critical viewpoint. An opportunity to explore literature from different historical perspectives and genres.

What will I be studying?

A wide range of literacy texts including poetry, prose and drama; including Shakespeare, Bronte, and Owen.

What skills will I learn?

Students will develop the transferable skills of being able to communicate an opinion both written and verbally. It allows you to travel back in time, share the experiences of others, take on new perspectives, explore ideas, beliefs and values, challenge or discover your own and learn how to critically analyse a text.

Students will also develop a capacity for methodical and critical thought and learn to present information in a clear, coherent and effective manner.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed by a combination of examination and coursework.

Paper 1, 3 hours, is worth 40%, Paper 2, 2 hours 30 mins, is worth 40%, plus a 2500 word coursework essay comparing texts, is worth 20%.

Where might it lead me?

For careers in teaching- both primary, secondary and sixth form colleges. The course opens up many opportunities in the field of journalism, advertising, marketing, events, law and management.

The analytical, interpretative and discursive skills you develop by studying literature will also prove excellent preparation for university.

English Literature is a highly regarded qualification by universities, seen as a facilitating qualification for degree level options.

Who can I ask about A level English Literature at Grace?

Ask Mrs Barratt, Mrs Scrivens or Miss Parshotam

Where can I find more information about A level English Literature?

The AQA website www.aqa.org.uk gives further details of the A level specification.

AQA specification A, 7712

Are there any specific subject requirements?

Minimum of Grade 6 at GCSE English or English Literature and in line with other Academy expectations.