English Literature

Course summary

The English Literature A level has a dynamic and engaging approach to learning. Through a wide variety of literature, students will gain confidence in expressing their ideas in class and learning how to prepare for written examinations in poetry, prose, and drama. The general aim of the A-level course is to encourage students to develop interest and enjoyment in literacy studies through reading widely, critically, and independently. The course will involve reading and writing about a whole variety of texts in many different forms. There will be regular essays on the set texts, unseen pieces to be tackled, coursework to complete, and notes of different kinds to be made. The AQA Literature B specification focuses on two key themes – aspects of tragedy and elements of political and social protest writing. Students will study at least eight set texts, including ‘Othello’, ‘Death of a Salesman’, ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, and a range of Keats and Blake poetry.