English Literature

Course summary

English Literature is an engaging and challenging A Level course; it is highly regarded by universities and employers as a traditional academic subject and a solid foundation for a variety of pathways. In English Literature, students read and respond to texts based on WWI including Sherriff’s Journey’s End, Barker’s Life Class, and a collection of poetry. Students also enjoy reading Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby and Shakespeare’s Othello as part of the ‘Love through the Ages’ unit. Students also have the exciting opportunity to explore their literary interests through the coursework component. The variety of texts studied and the assessment styles used (passage-based questions, unseen material, single-text questions, multiple-text questions, open- and closed-book approaches) allow students to develop a wide range of skills, such as the ability to read critically, analyze, evaluate and undertake independent research which is valuable for both further study and future employment. Modules/Units: Paper 1 – Love Through the Ages: Poetry, Prose and Shakespeare Paper 2 – Texts in Shared Contexts: WWl and its aftermath Coursework – Independent Critical Study: Texts Across Time