English Literature

The Programme:
What is ‘literature’? Who writes it? For whom? Why? How far are works the product of the age in which they are written? How do authors, poets and playwrights organise texts to influence their readers/audiences? What does the reader contribute to the meaning of any text?

If these questions intrigue you, and if you enjoy reading and discussion, visiting the theatre and attending study days, English Literature could be a good choice for you.
What’s more, studying English Literature enables you to combine a major leisure pursuit with one of the most versatile AS/A2 subjects.

The AQA Specification B English Literature course involves:

•           Unit 1: Aspects of Narrative – four texts to be studied - novels and poetry
 (60% AS, 30% of a level marks)
•           Unit 2: Dramatic Genres: Tragedy – study of two plays – two pieces coursework
 40% AS, 20% of A level marks)
•           Unit 3: Texts and Genres: Elements of the Gothic (or Pastoral) – study of three texts
 (30% of total A level marks)
•           Unit 4: Further and Independent Reading: coursework involving a study of at least three texts, one of will be a pre-released anthology of critical writing.
 (20% of A level marks)

There’s plenty in this specification to sharpen your analytical skills, develop your independence of thought and widen your cultural horizons, if you fancy the challenge...

Requirements:
Ideally you should have gained at least a B in both GCSE English Literature and GCSE English Language to start the course, but experience has taught us that C grade candidates can often blossom within the context of Sixth Form teaching groups.

Next Steps:

Past students have enjoyed courses and careers in law, education, sports science and management, accountancy, social work, town planning, the police, business studies, biological sciences, performing arts, the media, physiotherapy, nursing, psychology – in fact, almost anything you might want to do ……

Student Comment:
‘What surprised me is that there are no ‘right’ answers. The fact that texts can have so many meanings has given me confidence in my own judgements.’