English Literature

LINEAR A-LEVEL

One of the most respected post-16 courses by Russell Group Universities - the A-Level in English Literature is designed to encourage learners to develop their interest in and enjoyment of literature and literary studies as they:

•read widely and independently both set texts and others that they have selected for themselves • engage critically and creatively with a substantial body of texts and ways of responding to them • develop and effectively apply their knowledge of literary analysis and evaluation in writing • explore the contexts of the texts they are reading and others’ interpretations.

At Moulsham High School we encourage learners to be inspired, motivated and challenged by reading widely across a range of texts and developing their independent study skills. By A level, learners are cultivating their own critical responses and engaging with the richness of literature.

Component 1 – Examination – Closed Book – 40% of total A-Level

Section 1 – Shakespeare

Students are required to demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of one Shakespeare play – Hamlet.

Section 2 – Drama and Poetry pre-1900

Students will analyse and compare the work of one playwright and one poet. Possible playwrights include Christopher Marlowe; John Webster; Oliver Goldsmith; Henrik Ibsen and Oscar Wilde. Possible poets to be studied include Geoffrey Chaucer; John Milton; Samuel Taylor Coleridge; Alfred Lord Tennyson or Christina Rossetti.

Component 2 – Examination- Closed text – 40% of total A Level

The teaching of component 2 will have a thematic based approach –students will explore a range of texts from one of four different topics: American Literature 1880-1940; The Gothic; Dystopia or Women in Literature. In the exam students will write a comparative essay exploring the work of at least two different authors from the canon of the theme. The list of possible authors is extensive, though it is anticipated that students from Moulsham will study either The Gothic, or Dystopia, in which case prescribed authors will include Bram Stoker, Angela Carter, George Orwell and Margaret Atwood – though students will read a wide range of authors around this topic.

Component 3 – Literature post 1900

Non-examined Assessment (Coursework) – 20% of total A Level

Students will compare two literary texts and produce an extended essay of approximately 3000 words. Students will be required to explore the contexts of the texts they are reading and others’ interpretations of them. Students have some choice regarding the texts they will study, though it is likely that they will be guided by their teacher to choose texts that support and deepen their understanding of the theme chosen for component 2.

The Future

This Advanced Level is highly regarded by employers and gives access to a wide range of career opportunities. Universities and other centres of higher education welcome it as an entrance qualification for the majority of courses.

English Literature combines well with almost every other Advanced Level. Many of our previous students continue to study the subject at degree level – many of them at Russell Group universities.

Exam Board - OCR

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

A grade 6 in English Literature and a grade 6 in English Language. Apart from GCSEs, the important qualifications for this Advanced Level are a genuine interest in Literature and a willingness to be actively involved in the course. You are expected to undertake a wide range of reading beyond the texts being taught in lessons.