A Level of English literature builds on the skills that students have developed at GCSE. Students analyse a range of literary texts (novels, plays and poetry) with a particular focus on the way writers use language, form and structure to create meanings. You will explore set texts by a variety of writers from Shakespeare to Oscar Wilde to modern crime authors, examining the impacts of social and historical contexts. You will also study literary theories, including feminism, Marxism and ecocriticism, applying these to the set texts and also your wider reading. The course will develop your ability to think critically about what you read and shape your ideas into cogent arguments. Students develop a wide range of skills that can be transferred to other areas of study. A genuine interest in English literature and a willingness to engage in wider reading are essential. You will have well-developed analytical skills and the ability to write confidently and coherently. English literature is a rewarding subject: you will learn how to interpret texts in a range of different ways, offering personal responses supported by critical perspectives. As literature is open to interpretation, you should also have an open mind. What topics will I study? Aspects of tragedy, including drama by Shakespeare and Arthur Miller, and poetry by John Keats. Elements of crime, including novels by Graham Greene, Ian McEwan and Kate Atkinson.
We expect pupils entering Sixth Form to have secured 45 points from their best 8 GCSE grades (grades of 3 or below may not be included). Students new to Dame Allan’s will also be invited to interview. A grade 6 in GCSE English literature is required to study this subject at A Level.
Paper 1: Aspects of Tragedy Written exam: 2 hours and 30 minutes (40 per cent of A Level); closed book • Section A: extract-based question on a Shakespeare text, e.g. Othello • Section B: essay question on a Shakespeare text, e.g. Othello • Section C: essay question linking tragedy set texts, e.g. Keats's poetry and Miller’s Death of a Salesman Paper 2: Elements of Crime Written exam: 3 hours (40 per cent of A Level); open book • Section A: one compulsory analysis of an unseen crime extract • Section B: one essay question on a set text • Section C: one essay question about an element of crime writing linking two set texts Coursework: Theory and independence (20 per cent of A Level) The coursework element involves the study of two texts, one prose and one poetry text, chosen by the student with guidance from their teacher. They will produce two essays, of 1250-1500 words, each responding to a different text and linking to a different aspect of the critical anthology. One essay can be re-creative. The re-creative piece will be accompanied by a commentary. Coursework is assessed by teachers and moderated by AQA.
About Education Provider
| Region | North East |
| Local Authority | Newcastle upon Tyne |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Unknown |
| Sixth Form Fee | £15,999 |
| Address | Fowberry Crescent, Fenham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE4 9YJ |
A Level of English literature builds on the skills that students have developed at GCSE. Students analyse a range of literary texts (novels, plays and poetry) with a particular focus on the way writers use language, form and structure to create meanings. You will explore set texts by a variety of writers from Shakespeare to Oscar Wilde to modern crime authors, examining the impacts of social and historical contexts. You will also study literary theories, including feminism, Marxism and ecocriticism, applying these to the set texts and also your wider reading. The course will develop your ability to think critically about what you read and shape your ideas into cogent arguments. Students develop a wide range of skills that can be transferred to other areas of study. A genuine interest in English literature and a willingness to engage in wider reading are essential. You will have well-developed analytical skills and the ability to write confidently and coherently. English literature is a rewarding subject: you will learn how to interpret texts in a range of different ways, offering personal responses supported by critical perspectives. As literature is open to interpretation, you should also have an open mind. What topics will I study? Aspects of tragedy, including drama by Shakespeare and Arthur Miller, and poetry by John Keats. Elements of crime, including novels by Graham Greene, Ian McEwan and Kate Atkinson.
We expect pupils entering Sixth Form to have secured 45 points from their best 8 GCSE grades (grades of 3 or below may not be included). Students new to Dame Allan’s will also be invited to interview. A grade 6 in GCSE English literature is required to study this subject at A Level.
Paper 1: Aspects of Tragedy Written exam: 2 hours and 30 minutes (40 per cent of A Level); closed book • Section A: extract-based question on a Shakespeare text, e.g. Othello • Section B: essay question on a Shakespeare text, e.g. Othello • Section C: essay question linking tragedy set texts, e.g. Keats's poetry and Miller’s Death of a Salesman Paper 2: Elements of Crime Written exam: 3 hours (40 per cent of A Level); open book • Section A: one compulsory analysis of an unseen crime extract • Section B: one essay question on a set text • Section C: one essay question about an element of crime writing linking two set texts Coursework: Theory and independence (20 per cent of A Level) The coursework element involves the study of two texts, one prose and one poetry text, chosen by the student with guidance from their teacher. They will produce two essays, of 1250-1500 words, each responding to a different text and linking to a different aspect of the critical anthology. One essay can be re-creative. The re-creative piece will be accompanied by a commentary. Coursework is assessed by teachers and moderated by AQA.