English Literature

Course summary

English Literature A Level is exciting for both students and teachers. The OCR syllabus builds upon the skills which students start to develop whilst studying their IGCSE/GCSEs. Students develop their own critical responses as they engage with the wide variety of texts offered; in fact, the range of texts and topics should really spark their interest. The course is challenging and academic but students will be fully supported in lessons which provide them with the chance to express their views. As part of the course, students will write two coursework essays which allow them to pursue more detailed study in an area of particular interest. They will work independently with one teacher, acting as a tutor, an arrangement which also prepares them effectively for university studies. Students can be both creative and analytical in their responses according to their individual skills. If they enjoy thinking about how language is manipulated by writers and responding to different interpretations of texts, or reflecting upon the contexts influencing writers, then they will gain a lot from this course. Students will study Shakespeare and some pre-1900 poetry. However, there is also a range of modern texts offered and we are particularly enthusiastic about the opportunities to study literature published post -1990 because these texts are absolutely relevant to students and their times.