English Literature (EDEXCEL

Entry Requirements

For English Literature, students must have at least a Grade 7 in GCSE English Literature, supported by at least a Grade 6 in GCSE English.

Students are expected to have a genuine interest in reading and writing.

Course Content

Modules

Unit 1 Taught for two years (linear) Component 1: Drama • Externally assessed (30% of total); written examination (2hrs) • Choice from two questions in Section A – Shakespeare: one essay question, incorporating ideas from wider critical reading; choice from two questions in Section B - other drama.

Overview of content Students study: • One Shakespeare play and one other drama from either tragedy or comedy - both texts may be selected from one or both of these categories. • A collection of essays and critical essays related to their selected

Shakespeare play.

Unit 2 Taught for two years ( linear) Component 2: Prose • Externally assessed (20% of total) • Written examination (1 hour). • Students answer one comparative essay question from a choice of two on their studied theme

Overview of content Students study: • Two prose texts from a chosen theme. At least one of the prose texts must be pre-1900. Unit 4 Taught in the second year of A Level Component 4 - Coursework • Internally assessed, externally moderated (20% of total) • Either an extended comparative essay referring to two texts (2500-3000 words) OR one recreative piece plus a commentary AND one comparative essay referring to both texts (2500-3000 words)

Overview of content • Students have a free choice of two texts to study. • Chosen texts: must be complete texts and may be linked by theme, movement, author or period (may be selected from poetry, drama, prose or literary non-fiction).

English at Berkhamsted

The English Literature course is a facilitating course, which is highly regarded by universities for its academic rigour. It will appeal to those who have enjoyed the analytical challenges of studying texts at iGCSE and GCSE level or those who enjoy reading widely and discussing texts.

All of the teachers are specialists in specific areas of literature and hope to share their enthusiasm with their students. English Literature at A Level is a discursive subject, which allows students the opportunity to test their ideas alongside those of their peers. The course aims to help students perfect their essay-writing technique, build empathy and critical reading skills to aid students in building a critical appreciation for all life throws at them.

Modules

Unit 3 Taught in the second year of A Level Component 3: Poetry • Externally assessed (30% of total); written examination (2 hrs). • Two sections: unseen poem and one question from a choice of two on their studied text; Section A – Unseen Poetry: one essay (unseen modern poem - post 2000); Section B – Prescribed Poetry: one essay

Overview of content Students will: • Prepare for responding to an unseen modern poem, through study of poetic form, meaning, language style • Study either a range of poetry from: a literary period or a range of poetry by a named poet from within a literary period.

Future Prospects

English remains a highly respected and flexible A Level in the jobmarket. A facility with language, argument/discussion and critical thinking are valued skills. Students go on to study a wide range of different degrees at university and enjoy diverse careers. An appreciation of literature enriches your quality of life! The soft skills of adaptability, critical thinking, the ability to synthesise and evaluate as well as the gift of empathy and seeing the world through others’ eyes also ensures that students of Literature have the flexibility required by 21st century employers.