English Literature A Level - Level 3
Overview
Studying A Level English Literature will encourage you to develop your interest and enjoyment of the written word. You will gain an understanding of the traditions of literature, make informed opinions and judgements on literary texts and develop your knowledge of cultural and historical influences on text. By reading widely, and critically, across centuries, gender and genre, you will develop as an independent reader and critic.
You will be taught to critically analyse a text according to its historical and cultural period and, as well as enjoying great works, you’ll develop keen powers of analysis and an understanding of literature in all its forms.
Key objectives
- Build on the skills and knowledge you have already gained at GCSE.
- Critically read, analyse and enjoy a wide variety of different texts.
- Develop your written communication skills to a high level.
What does it combine with?
What will I study?
The texts covered include:
- ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ by Tennessee Williams
- ‘The Help’ by Kathryn Stockett
- ‘New Selected Poems’ by Seamus Heaney
- ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ by William Shakespeare
- ‘The Awakening’ by Kate Chopin
- A post-1900 poetry collection
You will also analyse unseen texts of different genres. In the coursework option you will be able to study a choice of texts.
Entry requirements
You will need 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including:
- English Language (Grade 4)
- English Literature (Grade 4)
- Plus, two other GCSEs at grade 4.
If you have only studied language not literature, you will need to discuss this with the subject tutor.
Study programmes - essential skills for employment
As an entry requirement on some of our courses, you will need a GCSE in both English and maths with at least a grade 4/C (please see entry requirements above).
If this isn’t displayed under the entry requirements and you don’t currently have a GCSE in both English and maths at grade 4/C or above before joining us, you will then study English and maths as part of your programme with the aim of achieving a qualification with at least a grade 4/C. This is to help improve your chances of employment once you leave us.
In addition, to help you gain essential skills for employment, all students aged 19 and under and studying a full-time course with us will take part in our study programmes.
How long is the course?
2 years.
How will I be assessed?
This course is assessed primarily by two examinations scheduled for May/June at the end of the second year with some additional coursework assessment.
The variety of assessment styles used such as passage-based questions, unseen material, single text questions and open book approaches, allow students to develop a wide range of skills These skills incluse the ability to read critically, analyse, evaluate and undertake independent research which are valuable for both further study and future employment.
The majority of questions are open book, which means you can have a copy of the texts in the exam!
There are only 2 exams and a coursework element worth 20%. This coursework provides opportunities for students to pursue their own areas of interest and develop personal and independent learning skills.
What does the course lead to?
Careers are often pursued as a teacher, marketing professional, public relations officer, librarian, author, translator, solicitor and more.
What can I progress onto?
Further study at university-level in the subject or creative writing, history, politics, media and communications.
Careers
How do I apply?
You don’t need to apply for each A Level course you are interested in individually.
Once we have received your application form we will invite you into college where we will be able to discuss every aspect of the courses you have chosen as well as any alternatives you may be considering.
You will also have the opportunity to visit the areas of the college used for your course choices.
Apply online