English Literature

Course summary

A-Level English Literature is an interesting, challenging and popular course at North Bridge House Canonbury, which will enable you to read and study a variety of texts ranging from Shakespeare’s timeless tragedies to the global literature of the 21st century. The coursework unit is completed in Year 12; in this unit, you will have the opportunity to explore 20th century and contemporary poetry, drama and prose, developing your own perspective on literature and directing your own critical or creative work. Year 12 also introduces you to Gothic fiction; we will explore how writers as diverse as Bram Stoker and Toni Morrison use the Gothic to address the fears, taboos or politics of their time. Year 13 is dedicated to drama and poetry; we will read Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet,’ discussing how actors have interpreted this enigmatic figure and how this tragedy can help us think about questions of power, gender, love and revenge. Ibsen’s ‘A Doll’s House’ and Christina Rossetti’s poetry are our touchpoints for exploring how writers in the 19th century sparked controversies and responded to social change. The English Department organise a number of trips for A-Level students, including cinema and theatre outings, which support our study and work as a team. An outline of the course is provided below.