English Literature

Course summary

English Literature A-Level provides students with the opportunity to engage critically and creatively with a substantial body of texts and ways of responding to them. Students are expected to read widely and independently set texts before developing and effectively applying their knowledge of literary analysis and evaluation. English Literature is a subject where students explore the contexts of the texts they are reading and others’ interpretations of them. The aim of English Literature is for students to undertake independent and sustained studies to deepen their appreciation and understanding of English literature, including its changing traditions. How is the course taught? The course is taught across two academic years. Students will explore a variety of prose, poetry and drama. In the first year, students will study two prose texts from the theme society and the individual. They will also study one drama text and an anthology of modern poetry. In the second year students will study a Shakespeare play and a selection of poems from a named poet. During lesson time, students will be given the opportunity to engage in thoughtful discussions on the writers craft and literary methods, as well as contextual influences around the texts being read. Teachers will then prepare students for essay/exam questions by helping them structure/plan their ideas and providing them with examples of written work.