English Literature

WHY SHOULD I STUDY A LEVEL ENGLISH LITERATURE?
Do you like examining characters’ motives, debating big ideas or discovering how stories shape the way we see the world? A Level English Literature invites you to explore poetry, drama and novels from across time, analysing how writers use language, structure and form to create meaning and challenge social, cultural and historical attitudes. Lessons are lively and discussion‑driven, combining close reading, debate, drama activities and independent research, helping you develop confident, original interpretations and the skills to argue your ideas persuasively, because in Literature, the most interesting answers are rarely the simplest ones.

COURSE CONTENT
The two‑year Pearson Edexcel course involves the study of drama, prose and poetry and develops strong analytical writing, independent thinking and confident critical responses.

• You will study two plays in detail, exploring character, structure, themes and dramatic methods.
• Compare two novels linked by a shared theme, considering the influence of context on writers and readers
• Study two poetry collections alongside unseen poetry, developing close analytical skills and confidence in comparing writers’ methods and ideas.

NON‑EXAMINED ASSESSMENT
This component gives you independence to explore a literary interest in depth. You will write a 2,500–3,000‑word comparative essay on one taught text and one text of your choice, drawing on wider reading and independent research. By engaging with critical interpretations and alternative viewpoints, you will shape, refine and support your own argument, producing a sustained and well‑informed discussion.

PROGRESSION ONTO YEAR 2
Progression to the second year of the A Level depends on satisfactory progress in the first year, including achieving at least an E grade in the Year One formal assessment and maintaining good attendance and commitment.

FINAL ASSESSMENT AT END OF YEAR 2
Three written examination papers taken at the end of the second year (80%) and the non‑examined assessment (20%).

Paper 1: (30%) Two essays on drama texts studied.

Paper 2: (20%) One comparative essay on prose texts linked by theme.

Paper 3: (30%) Two essays on poetry, including a comparison with an unseen poem.

WHAT CAN I DO AFTER STUDYING A LEVEL ENGLISH LITERATURE?
English Literature is highly valued by universities and employers for the rigorous analytical, communicative and writing skills it develops. Students learn to construct sustained arguments, engage critically with complex ideas and communicate clearly and persuasively. As a result, they progress to a wide range of degree subjects, including history, drama and the humanities, and pursue careers across education, media, publishing, law and related fields.

MINIMUM ENTRY CRITERIA 

Standard College entry requirements (as detailed on page 12) and a minimum of:

We are an inclusive department, and, in some situations, we will consider students who have achieved a good grade in only one GCSE English course.

Some applicants may have a career plan for which taking both English Language and English Literature as two separate A Levels would be appropriate, giving them an increased chance of progressing to a highly competitive university, for example, to study journalism.

FURTHER INFORMATION
This course suits students who enjoy reading widely, engaging in analytical discussion and producing sustained, thoughtful written responses to demanding texts. A Level English Literature develops close critical reading, independent thinking and the ability to construct well‑reasoned, persuasive arguments, encouraging confident engagement with complex ideas and varied interpretations. A range of course materials is provided, though students are expected to purchase their own set texts; financial support may be available where needed.

Students benefit from a wide programme of enrichment offered by the English Department, including theatre and cinema trips, lecture days, competitions, and structured support for university applications, including Oxbridge. Visiting lecturers and academics, alongside writers and journalists, complement course delivery by extending learning beyond the classroom and offering deeper insight into texts, theories and professional pathways. Additional Studies options include Creative Writing, the College Magazine and Debating, allowing students to develop interests and skills beyond the core curriculum.

Please note that in preparation for university, all English courses require an increasingly mature approach to the study of a range of challenging and complex texts and ideas.