English
Course Outline
By studying literature, you will become an expert at reading and responding to a wide variety of texts, interpreting, analysing, gathering and assessing evidence and working independently and creatively. In the world beyond school, especially at work, we are bombarded with texts. The skills that you will learn, including those of powerful and effective communication, are highly valued by employers.
Exam Board: Edexcel
Entry Requirements
Grade 5 GCSE English Literature or English Language.
Students must be prepared to commit to at least one hour of independent reading time per week, in addition to the regular teaching time for this subject.
Programme of Study
Paper 1: Drama
Study of two texts: one Shakespeare play and one other drama text. Students will also study critical essays related to the selected Shakespeare play.
Written exam: 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Section A – Shakespeare: one essay question from a choice of two (open book). 35 marks.
Section B – Other Drama: one essay question from a choice of two (open book). 25 marks.
30% of A-level.
Paper 2: Prose
Study of two prose texts from a chosen theme. At least one of the prose texts must be pre-1900 (open book).
Written exam: 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Students answer one comparative essay question from a choice of two on their studied theme. 40 marks.
20% of A-level.
Paper 3: Poetry
Study of a selection of post-2000 specified poetry and a specified range of poetry from either a literary period or a named poet from within a literary period.
Written exam: 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Section A – Post-2000 Specified Poetry: one comparative essay question on an unseen modern poem written post-2000 and one named poem from the studied contemporary text (open book).
Section B – Specified Poetry: one essay question (open book).
30% of A-level.
Non-exam assessment: Theory and independence
Comparative critical study of two texts, which may be linked by theme, movement, author or period.
One extended essay (2,500 – 3,000 words)
20% of A-level.
Progression Opportunities
English Literature is a highly regarded A-level that can take students onto almost any course of study. It is an essential choice for students considering an English degree, but would be a good option for students considering humanities subjects, languages or law. It could lead to many careers such as law, journalism, teaching, business management and publishing.