A Level English Literature
Students will be able to study Shakespeare, poetry, short stories, plays, novels and will cover everything from love to death and back again!
The subject will enrich your life in ways that go beyond careers and work-related skills, but English Literature students often tend to work in the following areas: teaching, editing, publishing, journalism, law and the music industry.
“Challenging but very interesting: the course was unique, stimulating and fun.”
Subject heading and Exam Board
What is English Literature?
English Literature is a key A Level – seen as a great platform for all kinds of degree subject and career. It’s a quality A Level with depth and challenge. Many degree providers value this subject especially, because having a qualification in English Literature means that you can read complex texts with understanding – a quality needed for Law or Philosophy, or indeed most degree subjects, which often require students to read widely in secondary literature, found in journals and theoretical texts.
Why study it?
It is inspiring, life-changing, life-shaping.
You will encounter ideas that you have never dreamed of.
You will be taken to exotic locations.
You will meet fascinating characters.
You will develop your appreciation of literature—and from that you will develop your appreciation of all art and all life.
Course Structure and Your Future
Year 12
In the first year of the course, you will study a range of classic texts:
Othello– thrilling tale of jealousy and murder
Tess of D’Urbervilles– passionate story about love and betrayal
Death of a Salesman- the American dream turned sourThe theme of the course in Year 12 is tragedy—it’s an emotional jour- ney, but one that will leave you changed and purged and uplifted. And our results have been brilliant!
Year 13
In the second year of the course, you will extend your study of texts to include more connecting of different texts.
Othello, Tess and Death of a Salesman from Year 12
Poems by William Blake Henry IV part 1
The Kite Runner
Coursework: Beloved and poems by Mary Oliver
The theme of this year is social and political protest—so let’s get out there and make a stand for justice and freedom!
What next?
Studying A Level English Literature can be extremely valuable if you wish to pursue a career in the following:
Publishing, Education, Writing or Law. English Literature is an inspiring subject, which will provide you with more than just a career-it will shape your self.