A Level English Literature

To develop students’ interest in reading and studying Shakespeare, prose, drama and poetry; to encourage enthusiastic engagement with the ideas in texts and the writer’s crafting of language; to promote discussion of literary ideas in a co-operative and explorative seminar setting.

Exam Board - AQA

A relevant, engaging and up-to-date course that approaches the reading and study of literature through the lens of genre and theory, encouraging the independent study of a range of texts within a shared context, giving logic and meaning to the way that texts are grouped for study.

A love of reading and a willingness to extend reading experience beyond the prescribed list of texts are desirable.

Paper 1 - Love through the Ages

Students study a range of thematically linked texts, exploring the development of the theme of love through the ages.

Students study three texts: one Shakespeare play, a collection of poetry (either pre- or post-1900), and a novel (either pre- or post-1900)

This examination will also include comparison of two unseen poems.

Paper 2 - Texts in Shared Context: Modern Times

Students study a range of literary genres emerging in the late 20th century, exploring key themes that are prominent in Modern literature.

Students study three texts: one novel, one poetry anthology, and one play. One of these texts will be post-2000.

This examination will include an exploration of an unseen extract.

Paper 3 - Texts Across Time (NEA)

Students will be required to write a comparative critical essay of two texts, one of which will be pre-1900. Students will produce one essay of 2500-3000 words (including references).

5 in English Literature GCSE and 5 in English Language GCSE.