English Literature
The A-Level qualification in English Literature will encourage you to develop your interest and enjoyment in literary studies through reading widely, independently and critically. The course will give you an introduction to the traditions of English Literature. The subject will allow you to develop as a confident and reflective reader of a range of texts and you will learn to express your responses effectively through speech and writing.
You will learn to use critical concepts and terminology with understanding and discrimination. You will be encouraged to reflect on your own responses to texts, consider other readers' interpretations and develop awareness of the contexts in which texts were written.
Exam board: We study Edexcel English Literature.
Entry Requirements: As well as the standard Sixth Form requirements, you must also have Grade 5 or above in GCSE English Literature and Language.
Key Content: The A-Level will broaden and deepen your knowledge, skills and understanding and enable you to gain a wider sense of the scope of literary study. You will be encouraged to use your detailed knowledge and understanding of individual texts to explore comparisons and links between them, and to appreciate the significance of cultural and historical influences upon readers and writers.
What is the work like? As an example of the kind of work that you will cover during the A-Level course, please find the pre-A-Level material that we asked Year 11 to complete before starting their course with us in September.
Assessment
Component 1: Drama (assessed by examination- 30% of the qualification)
In the examination two questions are to be answered; one question from Section A and one question from Section B.
Section A – Shakespeare: one essay question, incorporating ideas from wider critical reading.
Section B – Other drama: one essay question.
Component 2: Prose (assessed by examination- 20% of the qualification)
Students study two prose texts from a chosen theme. At least one of the prose texts must be pre-1900. Students answer one comparative essay question from a choice of two on their studied theme.
Component 3: Poetry (assessed by examination- 30% of the qualification)
In the examination there are two sections: students answer the question on the unseen poem and one question from a choice of two on their studied text.
Section A – Unseen Poetry: one essay question on an unseen modern poem written post 2000.
Section B – Prescribed Poetry: one essay question.
Coursework: 20% of the qualification
Students have a free choice of two texts to study. The texts may be linked by theme, movement, author or period. (2500-3000 words).
Who do I contact if I have any questions?
Mr Haddow will be happy to answer any questions that you might have. You are welcome to email him on Richard.Haddow@twynhamschool.com.
To ask an English Literature student more about the course, please email student@twynhamsixthform.com and they will be happy to help you.
