English Literature

Course summary

English literature comprises a diverse range of texts that students enjoy, including contemporary novels, poetry, drama and Shakespeare. Popular texts include The Great Gatsby, Othello and The Picture of Dorian Gray. Pupils will also study a ‘Modern Times’ module, exploring modern literature’s presentation of social, political and personal issues which have shaped the laƩer half of the 20th century, such as The Handmaid’s Tale and A Streetcar Named Desire. The ‘Independent Critical Study’ allows students the freedom to write a comparative critical study of two texts on a theme of their choice. A willingness to read is essential. Lessons are taught by two members of the department and include class discussions, presentaƟons, annotating texts, independent research and essay writing. The course is more independent than at GCSE/IGCSE, and students will be encouraged to respond individually to a range of texts, discussing various interpretations. Past students of English literature have gone on to study a range of degree subjects, including law, English, journalism, drama, medicine and media studies. The skills learnt in lessons are used in a wide variety of careers. English A‐levels (literature or language) work well alongside all subjects. The essay writing content means that the skills learnt can be applied to a range of subjects. Students choose to take the course with other creative subjects or may choose it to balance mathematical or science‐based options.