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The A-level English Literature course offers the opportunity to read, discuss and analyse a diverse range of English and American texts, which explore themes such as love and death, truth and deception, gender and relationships, disillusionment and despair. You will gain clear, critical insights into these works, polish your analytical and essay-writing skills and develop your grasp of literary techniques and terminology, enhancing your ability to evaluate both set texts and ‘unseen’ prose and poetry. If you really enjoy reading literature and then exploring the moral, philosophical and emotional issues which arise, this is the course for you.
What will I study in English Literature A-level?
You will study
- A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen
- The poetry of Christina Rossetti
- Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare
- The Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fitzgerald
- Passing by Nella Larsen
- Wider reading of American Literature 1880-1940
- A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams
- George the Poet
- The World's Wife by Carol Ann Duffy
- Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? by Jeanette Winterson
- Small Island by Andrea Levy
- Articles and podcasts on contexts and literary criticism
Entry Requirements
5+ GCSEs at Grade 4 or above from the core subjects, including Maths and Grade 5 in English Language.
A Grade 5 in English Literature is also recommended.
How will I learn?
Above all, you will learn to read as a literary critic and personally, and this will help you to establish and develop a personal argument which takes in the views and experiences of others. The ability to articulate your own view confidently, clearly and at some length is an important skill, valued at university and in the workplace. You will also develop your ability to evaluate presentational choices and how they shape meaning by analysing a range of performances. The ability to assess and anticipate the 'optics' of communication - how will this look to a customer? - is valued by employers.
How will I be assessed?
The course is 80% exam and 20% coursework:
There are two exams of 2.5 hours
- Shakespeare, Drama & Poetry pre-1900
- Comparative Contextual Studies: American Literature
Your coursework portfolio will comprise
- A close analysis of a single text/collection of poems in response to a question of your own choice
- An extended essay (invaluable practice for university dissertations and project management)
Any trips?
In recent years, we have run trips to see
- Hamlet, RSC Stratford
- The Duchess of Malfi, Almeida Theatre
- Measure for Measure, the Globe Theatre
Our next planned trip is to see The Taming of the Shrew at the Globe Theatre
We have also attended study days with academics in Bristol, and stream live and recorded productions and lectures in the classroom.
Are there any costs involved?
Students purchase their own texts at a reduced cost via the College.
Students will need to buy booklets at very small costs.
FAQs
Can I take this alongside any other English course?
You cannot choose English Language and Literature (the combined course) in conjunction with another. English A Level.
However, whilst it's better to choose a range of A Levels, you can study A Level English Literature and A Level English Language (plus a third A Level). In 2024, two students did so, with one going on to study English Language (Linguistics) at Cardiff and the other securing a place at Birmingham to study Literature.
I love English, but there's no obvious career path.
No, because English is ever present and crucial to life in a literate society! Whether our students go on to do English degrees or not, we are proud that the intellectual training and transferable skills which English offers are is respected by all universities and employers.
Do we read all of the texts in class, as at GCSE?
We will train you in how to read closely at A Level, and will certainly read key scenes with you in class. However, you will be expected to read between lessons and re-read the texts at least twice as independent study. You will be expected to read widely to enhance your understanding of the course and listen to podcasts and lectures outside of lessons. We will guide you on how to structure this flipped learning, but it is an expectation of the course and a step up from GCSE.
Why do you read a Norwegian play, when the subject is ENGLISH Literature?
A Doll's House has been translated and performed so many times in English that it has become an important part of our dramatic literature and has influenced English playwrights. Culture is an international phenomenon: just as ideas about literature and life have been exported, English-speaking writers borrow internationally too. Christina Rossetti is an established poet of the English literary canon, yet she borrows from her Italian heritage in her poetic techniques. English is the study of English speakers' experiences all over the world, so our course reflects that incredible breadth.
Awarding Body
OCR
Available As
A Level
[56 UCAS pts. available]
[56 UCAS pts. available]
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What can I do after I have taken this course?
Available As
A Level
[56 UCAS pts. available]
[56 UCAS pts. available]
Add to Application
DO NOT DELETE OR EDIT THIS ROW OR ITS CONTENTS
What the students say
”I like being able to talk about my favourite hobby (reading) with those around me and being able to compare and analyse different books. Also I have learnt how to present in front of my class more comfortably as well as being able to read in front of everyone. I have also been able to put my hand up and get involved in class a lot more.
Samantha
