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English Literature

 

Course title:  English Literature A Level AQA Block E

 

Academic year:

2024/25

Course Venues:

Blessed William Howard

Course Type:

A Level

Course Code:

12EBwCH1

Duration:

2 years

Course Description:

The course will enable you to develop your interest and enjoyment in literature by reading widely and gain an understanding of the traditions of English Literature.

The course is aimed at students who can demonstrate that they read fiction independently and for enjoyment and are interested in reading a wide variety of literature from the past and present. Students who enjoy expressing their opinions and justifying their comments on texts are welcomed on the course. Students who are interested in subjects such as History, Law, Psychology, and Sociology will benefit from the course, as there is significant overlap.

Course Content:

Over the course of two years, you will study:

  • Unit One- Love Through The Ages. Students are expected to respond to a variety of texts and have a detailed knowledge of the theme of love and its significance across time. Examination is through three questions: one based on a set Shakespeare text, one based on an unseen poem, and one based on comparing a 20th century novel to a range of pre-20th century poems. Texts studied include Othello, The Great Gatsby, and an anthology of love poems.
  • Unit 2- Modern Times literature from1945 to the present day - Students are expected to respond to a variety of texts and have a detailed knowledge of post-1945 texts. Examination is through three questions: one based on a set collection of poems, one based on an unseen prose extract, and one based on comparing a modern play to a modern novel. Texts studied include Feminist Gospels, The Handmaid’s Tale, and All My Sons.
  • Unit 3- Texts Across Time: Students are expected to study a two texts to produce an independent essay as part of their coursework, with one text being pre-1900. After consultations and meetings with their teacher, students will produce a comparative 3,000-word essay, considering similarities and differences between one chosen aspect of the two texts.

Entry requirements: 

The standard entry criteria to study in the sixth form are a 9-4 in at least seven different subjects, including English and mathematics, which would usually be at grade 5 or above.

To study other subjects already taken at GCSE you must achieve at least a grade 6 or above in that subject.

Future opportunities: 

English Literature is for students who enjoy studying a subject which is relevant to their own lives and may wish to use this popular qualification for application to higher education.

You could take this course to complement other Advanced-Level courses, which could lead onto higher education in English-related studies or more general higher education courses. English Literature is a widely recognised Advanced-Level course by all universities and employers.

With further training, you could go into a job related to English Literature such as a Teacher or Journalist. Due to its strong, cross-curricular elements, the course often sees a wide range of students taking very different career paths. You could also go straight into a job as the A-Level GCE is a recognised qualification that will help you develop the skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers across lots of industries are looking for. The course will also help you develop the skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers across lots of industries are looking for.

Further information:

To find out more about this qualification, speak to Mr Vince.