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Faculty: English
Subject: A-Level English Literature
Subject Leader: Mr Joy, Course Leader
Staff and Responsibility: Miss Allan & Miss Wilkinson, Head of Faculty
Exam Board: Edexcel
ASSESSMENT FORMAT
- Component 1: Drama
- Component 2: Prose
- Component 3: Poetry
- Coursework
SUBJECT OVERVIEW
The A-Level consists of three examinations, and one piece of coursework, which must all be completed in Year 13. There are full end of year examinations in components 1-3 at the end of Year 12.
Paper 1 Drama
Involves the study of one Shakespeare play and one other drama text, currently Marlowe’s Dr Faustus. The exam will require you to display an understanding of the social and historical contexts surrounding each text, as well as an appreciation of critical views on the texts.
Paper 2 Prose
1hour 15mins paper on a comparison between two supernatural novels, presently Dracula and Beloved.
Paper 3 Poetry
An examination covering a modern poetry anthology, Poems of the Decade, unseen poems and you will also be required to study a second collection of poetry, from a specified poet or historical period. This exam will also require you to analyse one unseen poem using your skills to unpick and explore the poetic devices employed in order to create an essay-based comparison.
To access this course a minimum GCSE level of 5 is required, but preferably A-Level 6.
There are extensive wider-reading aspects to the A Level Literature course, where a vast variety of topics are covered and discussed, and students benefit from a strong personal drive for independent study. This set them up well for the demands of a university course.
POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS
Advanced Level English Literature is a well-established qualification for university entrance in many subject areas and is invaluable for careers in journalism, law, publishing and, indeed any career where communication skills are important. Recent graduates of this course have gone on to study not only English, but Law, Anthropology, nursing, social care and criminology to name a few.
