English Literature

Course summary

English Literature A Level strives to develop the student’s appreciation of how literature written in English has developed from the 15th Century onwards. The course will allow opportunities for students to study a range of prose, drama and verse from several different genres and historical periods. There is also the chance for the students to develop their creative writing skills through original and recreative tasks. Why study English Literature? • we aim to develop independent thinkers who love debate and exploring literature, as well as helping students to write fluent and coherent responses to challenging questions. • English Literature explores ideas relating to ethics, identity, history and philosophy. • In recent years, students have studied Shakespeare, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Geoffrey Chaucer, John Donne, Mohsin Hamid, John Keats, Philip Larkin, Carol Ann Duffy, Oscar Wilde and Harold Pinter. • Students consider not only the written word but also the contexts in which the texts were written and received. • English Literature is a discussion-based subject, encouraging you to express your own opinions and to learn the value of those expressed by others.