A Level English Literature is an exciting and challenging course. We cover a broad range of prose, drama and poetry including literary greats such as Hamlet and Frankenstein. We are incredibly passionate about Literature and teach units to suit our own expertise. Ideas and issues in Literature are timeless and we enjoy bringing current affairs and debates in society into our lessons.

Students are expected to read widely around the subject and be confident to discuss texts in class. Our lessons are heavily based around discussion and students are expected to write essays on a weekly basis as part of their self-study. In addition to the texts we study in class, we also set additional reading to complement the main units of work. We aim to deliver an inspiring curriculum that will teach our students to be thinkers, and critical readers as well as developing a knowledge of society and what it means to be human. 

Course content

Year 12

Component 1: Drama - A Streetcar Named Desire

Component 2: Comparative Prose - The Handmaid's Tale and Frankenstein 

Component 3: Poems of the Decade - a comparison of one prepared poem and an unseen poem

Component 4: Coursework- free choice, a comparison of two texts of your choice. 4000 word essay.

Year 13

Component 1: Othello

Component 3: Romantic Poetry an essay about Romanticism using two poems from the collection. 

Revision

Examinations

Exam Board : Edexcel

Component 1: Othello and A Streetcar Named Desire

Component 2: The Handmaid's Tale and Frankenstein (comparative)

Component 3: Romantic Poetry and Poems of the Decade 

Component 4: Coursework- comparative unit.

Head of subject: Mrs  S Towers

Entry Requirements

Grade 5 in English Language and English Literature

Are you interested in: Reading, Society, History , Film and Theatre?

Leading to a career in: Journalism, Writing, Teaching , Law, Public Relations, Politics, Marketing 

This subject goes well with: Religious Studies, Psychology, History, Politics, Sociology

Student views

“I really like English because it has given me key skills that I can use at university, such as writing essays and analysis.”