English Literature

Course summary

English Literature at Sixth-Form level teaches students to think independently, giving them time to discuss novels, plays and poetry in real depth. The essays they will write are broad and discursive, using set texts to discuss wider issues relevant to society today such as love, identity, gender fluidity, money, politics and power. The issues that English Literature brings to the fore are relevant to us all as they are fundamentally human. King’s students study OCR A level in English Literature, giving them the opportunity to explore a balanced and exciting range of set texts. The qualification requires the study of an equal amount of poetry, prose and drama written across a range of eras, including the 21st Century, with a detailed study of at least one Shakespeare play. Pupils will not only have the benefit of traditional teaching of set texts for an exam, but will also learn intellectual independence and research skills: the coursework element requires an exciting level of independent study.