English Literature

A level | Edexcel

Students of A level in English Literature will engage creatively with a substantial body of texts and develop their knowledge of literary analysis and evaluation in speech and writing. They will explore the contexts of texts and interpretations of them, and deepen their understanding of the changing traditions of literature in English.

An A level in English Literature can lead to exciting career opportunities in the professional fields of: Politics, Publishing, Teaching, Public Relations, Law, Journalism, Social Work, Management, Librarianship and the Health Service.

Component 1 (Drama) 60 MARKS, 30% weighting, 2 hours 15 minutes • One Shakespeare play • One other drama text • Essays and critical commentary related to your selected Shakespeare trip

Component 2 (Prose) 40 MARKS, 20% weighting, 1 hour • Two prose texts from a chosen theme, including at least one pre-1900 text • One Comparative essay question from a choice of two on the studied prose texts (includes at least one pre-1900 text)

Component 3 (Prose) 60 MARKS, 30% weighting, 2 hours 15 minutes • A selection of poetry from a post-2000 collection

AND EITHER

• A range of poetry from a literary period OR • A range of poetry by a named poet from within a literary period

Progression Opportunities

Assessment Overview

Entry Requirements

• Grade 5 in English Language • Grade 5 in English Literature