English Literature (A Level)

Course summary

The A Level English Literature specification is an exciting and engaging qualification which allows students the opportunity to study literature through the ages; whilst divided by genre (poetry, prose and drama), students study both a modern and pre-1900 text for each genre, meaning they gain a true understanding of the evolution of English Literature. It encourages students to build upon their KS4 studies by exploring texts that tackle a wide range of themes and universal experiences from different perspectives; they will challenge students, help them to develop emotional maturity, and further develop empathy and independent thought on the human condition, nurturing an understanding of the intricacies of their own world and beyond and what it means to be human. English Literature allow students to: • Read widely and independently set texts and others that they have selected for themselves • Engage critically and creatively with a substantial body of texts and ways of responding to them • Develop and effectively apply their knowledge of literary analysis and evaluation • Explore the contexts of the texts they are reading and others’ interpretations of them • Explore their own interests and passions within English Literature; they have the freedom to select texts which they wish to write about in the Coursework element, and they are responsible for con- structing their own coursework title, meaning they have ownership over the themes, contexts and ideas covered in their essay. • Undertake independent and sustained studies to deepen their appreciation and understanding of English literature, including its changing traditions.