English Literature
Sacred Heart High School - Hammersmith and Fulham
02087487600
212 Hammersmith Road, London, W6 7DG
Course summary

Entering into an A level course in English Literature is opening a Pandora’s box of knowledge, ideas and experiences which will broaden your horizons and lead you in challenging, thought provoking and surprising new directions. However, the journey is not for the faint-of-heart; there will be great challenges along the way as you grapple with topics as diverse as the position of women in medieval society and the corruption at the heart of the American dream. You will meet unforgettable characters – faded Southern belles; rich, heart-broken bachelors; corrupt, ruthless kings - who may make you reconsider everything you thought you knew. You will find greed, heartache, fear and violence, but also love bravery, friendship and redemption. Think carefully before choosing English Literature – it might just change your life. BUT it is essential that you bring with you a love of reading and a willingness to join in discussions. If you do not read outside of school this subject is not for you. A level English courses form excellent preparation for any one of the wide variety of English courses available in higher education. English literature, in particular, is considered a desirable subject by Russell Group universities. English is useful for career paths including journalism, law, publishing, the civil service, politics and teaching.

Entry requirements

GCSE grade 6 or above in English Literature

How you'll be assessed

Unit 1 - Drama and poetry pre-1900 (40% exam) • Drama – Richard III or Hamlet by Shakespeare and A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen • Poetry – The Merchant’s Tale by Geoffrey Chaucer Unit 2 - Comparative and contextual study (40% exam) • The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald and The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton alongside extracts from other American texts written between 1880-1940 • 1984 by George Orwell and The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood alongside extracts from other dystopian fiction. Unit 3 - Literature Post-1900 (20% coursework) • A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams - close reading analysis 1000 words • Contemporary novel and poetry – 2000 word comparative essay – Small Island by Andrea Levy and Look We Have Coming to Dover! By Daljit Nagra

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionLondon
Local AuthorityHammersmith and Fulham
Ofsted RatingOutstanding
Gender TypeGirls
Address212 Hammersmith Road, London, W6 7DG