English Literature

Course summary

Not only is A Level English Literature an enjoyable and stimulating course in itself, it is also extremely useful in terms of university courses and future careers. The subject is accepted by universities as an excellent foundation for a wide range of courses. A Level English Literature is a great benefit in careers such as journalism, law, politics, teaching and the media. Indeed, its emphasis on independent thinking, critical analysis and clear communication ensures that it would be of value in most careers. English has always been a traditionally popular choice at TGS with a significant proportion of students choosing to read English at university. With an A Level examiner as a member of staff within the English department, this offers an added advantage to our students. The WJEC Eduqas A level in English literature encourages learners to develop their interest in and enjoyment of literature and literary studies as they: • Read widely and independently both set texts and others that they have selected for themselves. • Engage critically and creatively with a substantial body of texts and ways of responding to them develop and effectively apply their knowledge of literary analysis and evaluation. • Explore the contexts of the texts they are reading and others’ interpretations of them. • Undertake independent and sustained studies to deepen their appreciation and understanding of English literature, including its changing traditions. This specification is based on a conviction that the study of literature should encourage enjoyment of literary studies based on an informed personal response to a range of texts. It provides learners with an introduction to the discipline of advanced literary studies and presents opportunities for reading widely and for making creative and informed responses to each of the major literary genres of poetry, prose and drama.
This specification offers three components in discrete genres of study: poetry, drama and prose to allow learners to focus on the conventions and traditions of each genre in turn. A further component offers unseen prose and poetry to allow learners to focus separately on applying the skills of literary analysis acquired during the course as a whole.