English Literature A Level
Overview
IMPORTANT
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This course can be studied alongside 2 A Levels or 1 A Level and 1 vocational course (as part of our 2+1 offer).
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?
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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
- 'Othello' 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
- Five GCSEs with grades 4-9, including GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature
- An overall average of a grade 4*.
*To work out your grade average, add all of your grades together and divide by the number of GCSEs you've taken. If you need help, please contact our Enquiries Team on 0808 100 3626 or via email at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . - Assessment
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 include 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 two 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.
- Progression
Further study at university-level* in English Literature or creative writing, history, politics, media and communications.
*As we are a partner college of Nottingham Trent University (NTU), you may qualify for various benefits should you choose to apply to NTU after completing your college course. This could include a Progress NTU offer, where you would receive an offer one grade below their standard offer. For instance, a typical offer for one of their courses might require 128 UCAS tariff points. With Progress NTU, your requirements would be 120 UCAS tariff points. For further details, please call us on 0808 100 3626.
- Careers
Careers are often pursued as a teacher, marketing professional, public relations officer, librarian, author, translator, solicitor and more.
- Qualifications gained
- GCE A Level in English Literature A
- AQA
- Studying A Levels at WNC
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Disclaimer
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the website is correct, some details may be subject to change. West Nottinghamshire College reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.