English Literature

Course summary

A-level in English Literature aims to encourage students to develop their interest in and enjoyment of literature and literary studies. They are expected to read widely and independently both set texts and others that they have selected for themselves. They should engage critically and creatively with a substantial body of texts and ways of responding to them. Students will develop and effectively apply their knowledge of literary analysis and evaluation in writing. They will also explore the contexts of which texts are written and received and evaluate interpretations of those texts. Students must be confident and enthusiastic readers as they embark upon the course. Each of the exams are ‘closed text’ so in order for students to be able to select the most appropriate materials to answer the question in detail under the pressure of an exam setting, it is vital that you have read each core text multiple times. This familiarity will enable you to apply your knowledge in the most evaluative and analytical way. In addition, you will be expected to engage with a range of reading materials such as essays, literary journals and articles, biographies and other texts from similar authors and genres. This breadth of knowledge and experience is vital to your success and will require a significant commitment to reading outside of your lessons. Lessons will hone your analytical skills and enable you to develop breadth in your ideas, using your reading outside of the classroom to inform conversations with your teacher and other students. The techniques of effective annotation, summarising ideas, evaluation, collation of information from a range of sources and essay construction are all taught explicitly. English Literature is one of the facilitating subjects for the Russell group universities. Students who study English Literature go on to a wide range of careers including Journalism, the Civil Service, Teaching, Advertising and Public Relations. The development of student response in a sympathetic and structured way is of great value in the student’s own personal development. https://www.ashmoleacademy.org/_site/data/files/post16/1665D110BFBC2774CA4DFED150071DED.pdf#page=22