English Literature

A Level English Literature

A Level English Literature explores how writers use language to shape meaning, express ideas and challenge readers’ views of the world. Students study a range of classic and modern texts across prose, drama and poetry, developing skills in critical reading, analysis and independent thinking. The course encourages students to engage with different interpretations of texts while building strong written communication skills that are highly valued by universities and employers.

Course components:

• Prose: The Supernatural: Explore the Gothic genre through Dracula by Bram Stoker and The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde.
• Drama: Study Shakespeare’s Othello and Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire, examining themes such as love, power, jealousy and identity.
• Poetry: Analyse Modernist poetry alongside a Post-2000 Poetry Anthology, exploring how poets use language, form and structure to convey ideas and perspectives.
• Coursework: Complete an independent comparative essay on two literary texts, developing your research, analytical and evaluative skills.

The course builds your ability to read deeply, write effectively and express complex ideas with clarity, providing excellent preparation for Higher Education and careers in areas such as law, journalism, education, publishing and media.

Assessment

Assessment is through a combination of written examinations and coursework. The final grade is based on:

• Three examination papers, covering prose, drama and poetry.
• Coursework, which allows students to explore their own literary interests through an independent comparative essay.