Pupils beginning their studies at GCSE level read extracts from poems, learn how the literature and language of English developed, and analyse texts. This is no dry exercise, however: alongside writing a character’s pitch for kingship as part of their exposure to Shakespeare, pupils might be introduced to revolutionary ideas through folk music as they consider the importance of history to literature. And there is plenty of scope for creative expression, with pupils learning to appreciate how others write, and so identify the tricks they will themselves come to master. At A-level, pupils assess the impact of philosophy, psychology and history on literary texts, as well as evaluating literature itself as a means of criticism.