Application Instructions
*IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM THE MARSH ACADEMY FOR SEPTEMBER 2024 APPLICATIONS*
Applications Open: - 24 November 2023
Applications Close: - 24 May 2024
Entry Requirements: - Students wishing to study 3 Level 3 courses will be required to achieve 5+ GCSEs at grade 5 and above including English and Mathematics. However, some subjects have additional requirements in terms of the grades required. The Marsh Academy operates a sliding scale of qualifications which are outlined on the Marsh Academy website. There is scope for students to study 2 Level 3 subjects and also studying some Level 2 subjects. Students who wish to study two subjects must have attained 4+GCSEs at grade 5 or above.
How to Apply: - Please apply via Kent Choices
Open Event: - 23 November 2023 18:00
Course Summary
Readers! This A-Level is all about books: reading books, analysing books, investigating and considering the contexts of books, comparing books, interpreting books . . . so a love of literature and a willingness to read beyond your usual preferences is essential.
You will study novels, plays and poetry from a range of genres and historical periods, and learn how to write essays about these texts in a sophisticated academic style.
Course Details
Component One: Drama (Written exam) 35%
We study the incredible Shakespearean tragedy, Hamlet – and consider some of the critical responses to its themes that have been written over the years.
We also study Tennessee Williams’ play, A Streetcar Named Desire enabling us to explore the tensions at play in post-war New Orleans.
Component Two: Prose (Written exam) 20%
We read the extraordinary Frankenstein written by a teenage Mary Shelley and compare this with Atwood’s dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale.
Component Three: Poetry (Written exam) 30%
We study selected poems from the tortured Christina Rossetti who struggled to find contentment in the Victorian age.
We look at a selection of contemporary poems written in the first decade of this century; these tackle modern issues such as gender identity and relationship trauma. Skills of poetry analysis are additionally examined through comparison with an unseen poem.
Component Four: non-examination assessment
Students produce an extended essay of 2500-3000 words comparing two texts of their choice
Choices must be complete texts and may be linked by theme, movement, author or period may be selected from poetry, drama, prose or literary non-fiction.
How will it be delivered and assessed?
Component 1: Written exam: 2hrs 15 mins
Component 2: Written exam: 1hr 15 mins
Component 3: Written exam: 2hrs 15 mins
Component 4: Non examined assessment
Entry requirements
A minimum of grade 6 or above in English Literature GCSE in addition to the published entry requirements.
Equipment required
No specialist equipment required
Your next steps...
Through studying English Literature, students will gain a plethora of key skills, which will support both further education and employment opportunities. This course complements many other Advanced Level courses, due to the wide range of opportunities provided to develop both your analytical and communication skills. An A Level in English Literature could lead onto higher education in a variety of areas, including journalism: creative writing, teaching, or the media. Moreover, as English Literature is so highly regarded, it would be an excellent subject with which to demonstrate your abilities and knowledge to a prospective employer.
Additional information
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