English Literature

Course summary

The course will broaden your knowledge and understanding of both modern and traditional literature, and aims to encourage you to read as widely as possible. You will study novels, plays and poems and analyse them in depth. English Literature is a facilitating subject and is highly valued by universities irrespective of your chosen area of study. A-Level English Literature is a two-year course examined at the end of year 13. During year 12: You will study ‘Love through the Ages.’ You will read one Shakespeare play and an anthology of love poetry. Additionally, you will study one prose fiction text and a variety of unseen poetry. During year 13: You will develop your understanding of ‘Love through the Ages, with a greater focus on pre-1900 literature. Much of the year you will study a variety of texts related to World War One and its aftermath, and, complete an extended essay, comparing two texts, one of which will be pre-1900.