Course information
English Literature
The Compton School - Barnet
02083681783
Summers Lane, London, N12 0QG
Course summary

Great writers have helped to shape the minds of future generations for centuries. Not only will an A Level in English Literature broaden your understanding of the written word, but it will help you to develop your personal viewpoint, promote independent thought and it will challenge your perceptions and how you view the world. Over the two year A Level course, students will be exposed to a breadth of authors, ranging from pre-1900 writers such as William Shakespeare and Thomas Hardy, to the work of contemporary American writers, like Alice Walker and Tennessee Williams. The course covers poetry, prose and drama and assessment of the course combines both coursework and examination. This is complemented by student presentations, research projects, debates, lectures and creative writing opportunities. In addition, the curriculum is enriched through trips to the theatre and literary events. Not only will you develop your understanding of how writers shape their language and your close analysis skills, but you will leave the two year course with a life-long love of reading, creativity in writing and a passion for literature as a subject. English Literature students should be avid readers, not just of the core texts; they should read independently and widely in their own time. Lessons will involve both individual and group work and students are encouraged to develop oral skills through debate and discussion.

Entry requirements

Students must have a minimum point score of 5.5 or above for their best 8 GCSE subjects. Please use the following when calculating average point score: BTEC subjects (Distinction star= 8, Distinction=7, Merit=5.5, Pass=4) Students must have at least a GCSE grade 5 or above in Maths and English Additional GCSE Criteria: English Literature 6 *We will consider each student’s application on an individual basis. Students who achieve a high 5 in English or Maths would be considered for entry into the Sixth Form.

How you'll be assessed

A2 Paper One: (40% of A Level) Assessed by a written examination) • Pre-1900 Poetry • Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier • Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare A2 Paper Two: Texts in Shared Contexts : study of three texts from 1945 to the present day. Assessed by written examination. (40% of A Level). • Feminine Gospels by Carol Ann Duffy • The Color Purple by Alice Walker • A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams A2 Non-Exam Assessment: Texts across Time: comparative critical study of 2 texts, at least one of which must have been written pre1900. Assessed by 1 extended essay (2,500 words) and a bibliography (20% of A Level).

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionLondon
Local AuthorityBarnet
Ofsted RatingOutstanding
Gender TypeMixed
AddressSummers Lane, London, N12 0QG