English Literature

Course summary

This exciting A Level subject has traditionally attracted the top range of ability. However, thanks to recent syllabus changes, and a range of more contemporary novels on offer, we now attract students across the ability range. This means that the A Level English course has grown in popularity and students enjoy the relaxed, yet studious, atmosphere within curriculum time. In the second year of the course, students are allowed to select novels of their own choice. Equally, students may follow the suggested range of texts if they feel more comfortable in so doing; it is a course tailored to suit all students. We firmly believe that enjoyment of the subject and a love of reading is the key to successful learning. Therefore, we endeavour to engender a stimulating environment of learning. We also encourage active debate and independent study, along with clear assessment opportunities to maximise potential. Course content: Year 1 A study of a selection of poems from contemporary poets The study of two novels – ‘Frankenstein’ by Mary Shelley, and ‘The War of the Worlds’ by H G Wells The study of a drama text in the genre of Tragedy – ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ by Tennessee Williams Year 2 The study of a Shakespeare Tragedy – ‘King Lear’, in conjunction with the study of an anthology of critical writings on the play, its themes and characters The study of the poetry of The Romantics The coursework unit, in which students select two texts for close analytical study