English Literature

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

• to articulate informed, personal and creative responses to literary texts, using associated concepts and terminology, and coherent, accurate written expression

• to analyse ways in which writers’ choices of form, structure, and language shape meanings

• to demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of the contexts in which literary texts are written and received

• to respond with knowledge and understanding to literary texts of different types and periods

• to explore connections across literary texts

• to articulate independent opinions and judgements, informed by different interpretations of literary texts by other readers

A TWO YEAR A LEVEL COURSE, EXAMINED AT THE END OF YEAR 13.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW OR BE ABLE TO DO BEFORE TAKING ENGLISH LITERATURE IN THE SIXTH FORM?

English Literature is the study of words and texts. We explore writing and writers, looking at their intentions and their contexts to gain a deeper understanding. English Literature operates in the higher order of thinking skills, requiring students to analyse, synthesise and evaluate; these are all valuable skills that can be utilised across the spectrum of life.

Having achieved at least a 6 in GCSE English and English Literature, you will have shown that you are capable of success in A Level English Literature. You should be prepared to attend Literary Society meetings throughout the year and to participate in events such as the Bath Music and Literature Festival, theatre visits, conferences, and study days. You should also enjoy reading challenging literature of all genres and periods.

• students who are interested in learning new approaches to texts and enjoy thinking both critically and creatively

• students who want to deepen their understanding of the world and of themselves

• students who enjoy discussing literature, film, theatre, current issues, religion, history, morality and philosophy

• students who want to question, probe, explore, examine and analyse

• students who are fascinated in the representation of life, feelings and humanity

WHAT EXAMINATIONS WILL I HAVE TO TAKE TO GAIN MY QUALIFICATION?

The A Level course consists of three compulsory components. Students will sit all examinations at the end of a two year course.

COMPONENT 1: Literary Genres: Aspects of Tragedy (Closed text) 2.5 hours

During your study for this unit, you will explore a variety of texts, looking closely at a Shakespeare play (Othello), a contemporary play (Death of a Salesman) and a further heritage text (Keats’ poetry). During the examination, you will be required to complete three tasks; one on Shakespeare, one on a second drama text and one on a third, pre-1900 text. This is an externally assessed written paper (closed text) and represents 40% of the marks for A Level.

COMPONENT 2: Texts and Genres: Elements of Crime (Open text) 3 hours

This component presents an exciting opportunity to explore texts that are linked through genre. You can study contemporary fiction (Atonement) , poetry (Victorian narrative poetry) and other fiction texts (The Murder of Roger Ackroyd). For the examination, you will be required to complete three tasks; one compulsory task on an unseen passage, one essay on a set text and one task which connects two texts. This is an externally assessed written paper (open text) and represents 40% of the marks for A Level.

COMPONENT 3: Theory and Independence (Coursework element)

The Non-Examined Assessment (NEA) consists of two tasks, each of 1250-1500 words, based on a study of prose and poetry. This extended study will be internally marked before being externally moderated, and represents 20% of the marks for A Level. The first task is a study of Carol Ann Duffy’s collection ‘The World’s Wife’. The second is on a novel of the students’ own choosing.

These tasks presents an opportunity for students to follow their own passions and ideas, giving room for deep thinking, creativity and highly developed criticism.

ADDITIONAL EXPENSES

• You should consider taking out a subscription to one or both of the following magazines:

The English & Media Magazine and The English

Review.

• You may be required to attend one or two theatrical performances and one or two revision conferences.

• There may be charges for guest speakers.

WHAT COULD I GO ON TO DO AT THE END OF MY COURSE?

You could go on to study English or a number of related subjects at university. The skills you develop studying A Level English Literature are highly valued by universities, no matter what course you might apply for, and by employers.

Whether or not you choose to continue your studies of English Literature, you will have deepened your understanding and knowledge of literary texts and heritage. You will go on to read the world’s best literature with ever-increasing enjoyment and appreciation. The types of thinking skills and the modes of questioning developed are skills that will stay with you for life.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON SPECIFICATIONS

AQA B provides specimen examination papers which we recommend you investigate.