English Literature

Course summary

We offer English Literature A Level (Edexcel), which allows students to experience challenging and rewarding texts and deepen their critical thinking. Texts studied include 'Frankenstein', 'Never Let Me Go', 'Hamlet', 'A Streetcar Named Desire', and modern and Romantic poetry. In addition, the coursework element enables students to diversify their reading further and develop their independent critical thinking about texts, in particular post-colonial writing. LENGTH OF COURSE & NUMBER OF LESSONS PER CYCLE: 2 year A Level, with 5 lessons per week. WHICH SKILLS WILL YOU ACQUIRE? - Ability to analyze texts: how meaning is constructed through language, form and structure. - An appreciation of plurality of perspective in literature. - A richer understanding of the significance of historical and literary contexts. - An understanding of how different theoretical perspectives (e.g. Marxist, feminist, etc.) influence interpretations of texts. - Ability to think critically and justify your views, marshalling an effective argument - Ability to write with precision, coherence and clarity of expression. - Ability to use secondary reading to aid and develop interpretation. WHICH CAREER PATHWAYS EXIST AFTER STUDYING THIS SUBJECT? - Law - Education - Journalism and the media - Communications and public relations - Entertainment and creative industries - Politics, civil service, and local government WHICH SUBJECTS COMPLEMENT THIS COURSE? - Film Studies - Media Studies - Performing Arts - History - Religious studies / PBE - Modern foreign languages - Geography - Psychology