English Literature AS/A Level

General information

The new A level syllabus looks very different from the current six unit qualification which finishes in the Summer of 2009. ALL new AS students will now begin an exciting four unit A level, divided into 2 units at AS and 2 more at A2.

Course content

The AS section of this course consists of two units:

• Unit 1: Explorations in Prose and Poetry. You will study a wide range of poetry from a prescribed anthology, exploring it in terms of a common theme and focusing on language variety, interpretations of text, voice, form mood, and more. The current theme is home and the various connotations this might carry. The other half of the exam means studying two related novels from different eras and identifying connections between texts, narrative voice, conventions of genre and so on. The exam for AS English literature is usually in mid May and is two hours and 15 minutes in duration.
• Unit 2: Explorations in Drama. In this coursework-based unit, you will work on two classic plays from between 1300 and 1800, at least one of which will be Shakespeare. You will produce two pieces of work, one of which is an explorative study, where a choice of at least two different titles and approaches is offered. The other piece is a more creative response, which allows for some freedom of expression and creativity to be demonstrated.

The A2 section of this course consists of two units:

• Units 3 and 4: The first unit in the A2 section is exam-based. The second unit is coursework-based, and include at least one text written after 1990. Currently this text is ‘Captain Corelli's Mandolin‘. The coursework element is much freer, with a single text giving a wide range of options. In this course, you will eventually write your own titles. The course requires considerable independent learning. The syllabus can be seen viewed the edexcel website at www.edexcel.org.uk.

Please note there is currently no opportunity to do the A level as an intensive one year course.

Entry requirements

Seven GCSEs with grades C or higher, including English Language and at least 1 B grade.

Dates and times

This course begins in September. The duration of this course is two years.