"A good book should leave you… slightly exhausted at the end. You live several times while reading it". (William Styron)

"Fiction reveals truths that reality obscures". (Jessamyn West)

How does English Literature affect me?

English Literature is one of the most prestigious and classic humanities subjects you can study at A Level or at university. Not only will you read some great books for pleasure but you will examine them closely, looking for key features of language, structure and historical context.  In addition English Literature is part of our everyday lives; just think of all the things which are in written form including: newspapers, books, television and internet pages. By studying literature you will discover the many realms of our spectacular imagination as well as having a highly tuned appreciation for moral philosophy.

What can I do with my English Literature A Level?

There is no limit to the possibilities that English Literature can give rise to. The subject is still one of the most prestigious to study in the country. Career opportunities include: journalism, speech therapy, advertising, creative writing, teaching, law, broadcasting and further study at university.

What key areas do I study?

• Language, Structure and Form
• Contexts: Historical, Literary, Social
• Morality
• Characterisation and Plot

What is English Literature at A Level?

If you have enjoyed literature at GCSE level then you will enjoy it at A-level.  It involves the detailed, in-depth study of four set texts at AS level and three set texts at A2 Level including the study of Shakespeare with a twist. There is opportunity to follow your own reading path, with synoptic units studied at both AS and A2 level; from a wide variety of periods, poetry, novels, plays and criticism are chosen by students as wider reading from. The level of study is challenging, yet highly stimulating, and will involve you in independent study; primarily reading and studying books in depth.  The course will give you the opportunity to share your interest with your classmates in discussions, presentations, group work, and theatre trips in conjunction with the more traditional methods of study.

What GCSE qualifications will I need?

You usually need a B grade at GCSE Literature, but a C at both Literature and Language may be sufficient with your English teacher's strong personal recommendation.

Are there any set texts?

At AS your studies are centred in Victorian literature. You will study the poetry of Thomas Hardy, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, and two plays: A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen and A Woman of No Importance by Oscar Wilde. In addition you will also take a historical approach, reading non-fiction texts from the period. At A2 you will study a range of literature on the topic of 'Love' and finally for your comparative coursework essay you will study a Shakespeare play in comparison to two modern texts. As you can see the course has a wealth of variety and allows you to consider texts as individual entities and as part of a canon.

What must I bring to the course?

You will be expected to read widely, including literature not specifically mentioned in the syllabus.  You must be interested and willing in class discussions.  Independent study is essential for the higher grades and you will be expected to work at extending your vocabulary so that you have the appropriate terminology and the ability to express yourself well.  You can design the course by choosing to write creatively instead of writing an essay for coursework. And you can begin the road to becoming an expert critic and writer.

James Davies
Head of English