English Literature A Level

English Literature is a fascinating and exciting subject which teaches exceptional written as well as verbal communication skills and prepares students for an enormous range of exciting careers, such as: Marketing, Publishing, Advertising, Law, Teaching, TV and the Media and many, many more!

The course aims to teach students:

To enjoy reading widely, independently and critically
To explore how texts are constructed and appreciate authorial craft
To evaluate the social, cultural and historical conditions of the time in which the text was produced
To assess textual evidence and make confident judgements about characters, themes and wider ideas
To express opinions and construct arguments in clear and dynamic English.
To think outside the box, to debate ideas in lessons and to work with others in a fun, intellectually stimulating environment

The Edexcel A level English Literature course (specification code 9ET0) comprises three externally assessed papers and one non-examination assessment (NEA). It is designed to develop pupils’ analytical, evaluative and contextual understanding of a wide range of literary texts.

Course Content

Paper 1 - Drama

This paper focuses on the study of two drama texts, one of which must be a Shakespeare play. Pupils explore dramatic form, characterisation and themes, considering historical and literary contexts. The paper includes both open-book and closed-book sections and accounts for 30% of the final grade.

Paper 2 - Prose

This component requires the study of two prose texts, one of which must be pre-1900. The focus is on comparative analysis, exploring narrative techniques, themes and contextual influences. This paper is open-book and contributes 20% to the overall qualification.

Paper 3 - Poetry

Pupils study a poetry collection from a prescribed anthology and respond to unseen poetry. Both post-2000 and pre-1900 poems are studied. The paper assesses close reading skills, poetic form and interpretation. It makes up 30% of the total grade.

Non-Examination Assessment (NEA)

Pupils will also write an extended coursework essay, which will be a critical comparison of two texts. They will study one with their teacher and the second text is the student’s own free choice. We hope that they will enjoy the independence this will provide them with – it will be like being in university! It is worth 20% of the final grade.

Looking Further Ahead

An A Level in English Literature is a solid, academic qualification that will access undergraduate courses in any discipline. To a potential employer, it is a good indication of powers of expression, the ability to make reasoned judgements and an awareness of human experience.

Preivous students who have studied A Level English Literature have gone on to undertake many exciting things such as studying Media and Communications, Politics, Philosophy and Economics, Management Studies and Journalism at leading Universities.

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