English Literature
Burford School - Oxfordshire
01993823303
Cheltenham Road, Burford, OX18 4PL
Course summary

English Literature is one of the most popular A-level subjects and with good reason, as students already possess several key skills and an interest in the subject from extensive study before Key Stage 5. English Literature at A-level extends and builds on that knowledge. It encourages you to develop an interest in and enjoyment of texts through reading widely, critically, and independently. The range of texts and genres gives English specialists the freedom to teach in engaging ways. Teacher expertise ensures that you will find the texts challenging and inspiring. You will study a wide range of texts connected to the units of 'Love Through the Ages' and either 'WW1 and its Aftermath' or 'Modern times: literature from 1945 to the present day'. You will engage with aspects of the context which informed their production and reception as well as consider the methods employed by the respective writers. With texts ranging from Shakespeare's 'Othello' to F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby' and beyond, you will be exposed to the breadth that the literary canon has to offer as you hone your skills of analysis and interpretation. There will be teacher-led lessons, individual and group project work, discussions, and debates. There will be films videos and student-led presentations. You will be expected to undertake private study including reading widely, research, revision, and homework tasks. There will be theatre and literary event visits and career talks from professionals such as writers, journalists, and higher education experts.

Entry requirements

Two GCSE subjects at Grade 6 and four GCSE subjects at Grade 5 grades. Grade 6 in both GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature.

How you'll be assessed

There will be 2 exams: a 3-hour paper (open book in section C only) and one of 2 hours 30 minutes (open book). These will make up 80% of your final marks. The remaining 20% of your marks will come from coursework which will be 2 essays in which you will write about two different literary texts using critical theories and ideas. One of the texts must be a poetry text and the other must be prose.

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionSouth East
Local AuthorityOxfordshire
Ofsted RatingGood
Gender TypeCo-Educational
AddressCheltenham Road, Burford, OX18 4PL