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A Level

English Literature A Level

Subject Area
English
Start Date
September 2025
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
2 years
Level
Level 3

We follow the Pearson Edexcel English Literature specification. Within the study of Comedy in the first, year students explore concepts such as the role of the hero, how language highlights comedy with wit and wordplay, and how structure leads from disorder to order, often involving marriage. We study William Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew, and The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde.

During the first year we also study a range post 2000 poetry as well as studying in detail the works of Pre-Raphaelite poet Christine Rossetti.

Our second theme on the specification is the supernatural and features wonderful literary examples. We study Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and Toni Morrison’s Beloved in detail, focusing on the elements of supernatural, gothic, liminal space, characterisation, and context.  
 

Entry requirements

A minimum of 4 subjects at grade 5 or above at GCSE plus English Language at grade 6 or above.

What will I study?

Year One 

  • Comedy - based on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew and Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest
  • One supernatural novel and one element of poetry
  • Shakespeare Critical Anthology 
     

Year Two

  • One supernatural novel
  • Second element of poetry
  • Shakespeare Critical Anthology
  • Coursework


Non-examined assessment (Coursework)
Extended comparative essay between two novels of your choice. These texts are linked by a theme of your choice and can be selected from poetry, drama, prose or literary non-fiction.

Items you will need 
Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
Poems of the Decade by various ISBN 978-0571325405
Christina Rossetti selected poetry ISBN 978-0140424690
Dracula by Bram Stoker
Beloved by Toni Morrison
 

Method of delivery

We read our literature together in class and respond with discussion and workshops. Lessons will include activities such as taking notes, class and group discussion, reading and research, essay practice and a chance to improve your own personal writing style.

How will I be assessed?

At the end of Year Two there are two examinations (each worth 40% of the final grade). The coursework assessment is worth 20% of the final grade.

Good course combinations

This course combines well with most A Levels, particularly essay writing subjects such as Modern Languages, History, Psychology, Sociology, Drama & Theatre Studies and Film Studies.

Your next steps

Degree level study in areas such as English, journalism, creative and media industries, public relations, museum work, civil service, law etc. Past students have gone on to study English at Oxford, Cambridge, Newcastle, Birmingham, UEA, Manchester and other top universities.

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