English Literature A-level is highly regarded by all the top universities and a good grade at A-level in English Literature is seen as an accurate indicator of a student’s academic ability. Its wide appeal and its status as a top A-level subject makes English Literature an ideal choice for any students who wish to study at one of the top Russell Group universities. When studying English Literature at A-level, students will learn about a range of works through the ages from Greek tragedy to 21st century novels. The A-level offers opportunities to discuss and explore important political, philosophical and historical ideas. Students will learn how to write academic essays and will continue to develop these skills during the course. Literature students are also required to write two coursework essays. These essays require the student to write and research their essays independently. Great skills for any future studies. What will I learn? English Literature students at Swanlea will be studying texts within two broad genres: ‘Elements of Tragedy’ and ‘Elements of Social and Protest writing’. In the first component, ‘Elements of Tragedy’, students will explore the nature of the tragic hero or heroine; their flaws; how they suffer and cause suffering; the role of fate; ideas of good and evil. In the second component, ‘Elements of Social Political and Protest writing’, students will look at issues of power and powerlessness; rebellion; gender and class struggle. The coursework component of the A-level is designed to develop students’ independence. Students are required to write two essays: one on poetry, and another on a novel. Students explore a selection of poems through a feminist lens and choose their novel to view through a post colonial lens. This component allows students to work independently and sharpens and improves their academic writing skills.