English Literature

Course summary

English at A level is a rich and varied subject that will enable our students to read a wide range of exciting, controversial and historic texts. Through, exploration, close reading, discussion and research they will consider the importance and relevance of texts within the wider world and within the literary tradition. The course aims to develop the skills of reading for meaning and critical analysis demonstrated at GCSE and utilise them in studying Literature from Shakespeare’s day to the present. The course explores the disciplines of prose, poetry and drama and seeks to equip students with a knowledge and understanding of why writers have chosen their form and how these influence both modern readers and those throughout history. The course offers opportunities to for students to choose texts to study for coursework and we nurture the ability to read texts independently and with selfguidance. English Literature is often considered the most highly regarded and renowned across the world. Writing in English has begun, continued and subverted some of finest literary traditions. Our intention is to have this realized and find pleasure in reading, dissecting, evaluating and forming a personal response to this canon of established and emerging work.