AS Level English Literature

The study of A level Literature increases understanding of how meaning is created in literary texts and develops the ability to respond to literary texts through discussion and written work. The course is suited to students who enjoy reading a wide range of literary texts.

You will study poetry, prose and drama from various periods. There will be an element of wider reading and you acquire a sophisticated knowledge of the technical vocabulary of literature. You will be expected to explore multiple interpretations of texts.

AS Level

LT2-This part of the course is studied in the Autumn term.( 40%)

At AS there will be two pieces of coursework and a formal written examination.

One piece of coursework involves an element of creative reading and writing. You will be inspired by your reading to produce a piece of writing of your own (750 words) and to explore how you created it in a commentary (750 words).

The other coursework is an analytical comparative study of two novels. You will study one novel in class. This will be a nineteenth century novel chosen by your tutor from a selection offered by the examining board. The second novel will be one which you can choose from a range offered by your tutor. You will read this at home as well as being guided by your tutor in class and seminars. Your response will be in essay form( 1,500 words).

LT1- this part of the course is studied in the Spring and Summer terms(60%).

The examination is based on two collections of poetry and a play. All of these texts will be modern.

A2 Level

LT3- This part of the course will be studied in the Autumn term (40%).

At A2 you will complete one piece of coursework. This will be based on your response to poetry and two novels. You will study the texts in class and you will chose a focus to write about which you will agree with your tutor.

LT4-This part of the course is studied in the Spring and Summer terms (60%).

There is also a formal examination. The first section of the examination is based on a study of a pre twentieth century poet chosen from a set text list by your tutor. You will be expected to compare the poet’s work with an unseen poem. You will be prepared for unseen poetry in your lessons.

The second section of the examination will be a response to a work by Shakespeare informed by a reading of another pre nineteenth century text. A typical example would be King Lear ( Shakespeare) compared with Oedipus Rex ( Sophocles)

How you will gain the qualification

Each year is assessed as follows:

60% Examination

40% Coursework

There is a mock examination and regular assessments will be made throughout the course.

What qualifications you need

GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature at a minimum of a C grade with four other subjects at C grade or above.

Where to next

English Literature will provide you with an excellent preparation for many courses in the Humanities at university, including Literature, combined English Language and Literature, Linguistics, Journalism and Education. An A level in Literature is a great asset for any kind of work that requires you to express yourself effectively and to think analytically.