The variety of texts studied and the assessment styles used (passage-based questions, unseen material, single-text questions, multiple-text questions, open- and closed-book approaches) allow students to develop a wide range of skills, such as the ability to read critically, analyse, evaluate and undertake independent research which are valuable for both further study and future employment.
AQA Specification A
Minimum of a grade B in GCSE English Language. It is preferable that you also have a C grade or higher in GCSE English Literature
Progression routes from this course
English Literature is one of the most vibrant and popular subjects to study at A Level. It is highly valued by universities and employers as a traditional academic subject of high status. It can lead to a career in Journalism, Teaching, Law, Business, Publishing, Script writing, Communications, Advertising and many others.
- Paper 1: Love Through the Ages: Poetry, Prose
- Paper 2: Texts in Shared Contexts: WW1 and its aftermath
- Coursework - Independent Critical Study: Texts Across Time
- Paper 1: 3 hours
- Sec. A: Shakespeare One passage-based question with linked essay (25 marks)
- Sec. B: Unseen poetry Compulsory essay question on two unseen poems (25 marks) Sec. C: Comparing texts
- One essay question linking two texts (25 marks)
40% of total A Level marks. Open book in section C only
- Paper 2: 2 hours 30 mins
- Sec. A: Set texts One essay question on set text (25 marks)
- Sec. B: Contextual linking One question on an unseen extract (25 marks) and one essay question linking two texts (25 marks)
40% of total A Level marks. Open book
- Coursework: One extended essay comparing two texts, at
least one of which must have been written pre-1900. (2,500 words) and a bibliography.
20% of total A Level marks