As & A2 Level English Literature
What will I Study?
The course will appeal to you if you wish to progress naturally from GCSE English Literature and to develop further enjoyment and critical appreciation of literature based on your informed personal response to a range of texts.
Year 12
LT1 - Poetry & Drama (Exam 2 and half hours)
LT2 - Prose (Fiction) & Creative Reading (coursework)
Year 13
LT3 - Period & Genre Study (Coursework)
LT4 - Poetry & Drama (Exam 2 and half hours)
What is expected?
Your study of GCSE English Literature will have given you knowledge and understanding of relevant areas and you should have obtained, at least, a C grade. The study of literature involves the reading of long and demanding works and the ability to express your ideas effectively in class discussion and in essays. You should only embark on this course if you genuinely enjoy literature and are prepared to read extensively on your own.
The Advanced Level course will broaden and deepen the knowledge, skills and understanding developed in year 12, particularly in encouraging comparisons between texts and increasing awareness of historical and cultural references upon writers and readers.
Assessment
In both AS and A2 one module will be a closed text assessment - examined without access to the text. The availability of clean copies of the text in the remaining modules allows argument to be supported by precise reference. At both AS and A2 level there is no requirement to submit a folder of coursework based on independent reading.
Year 12 - AS
LT1 - Poetry and Drama (open text exam)
- Carol Ann Duffy & Sheenagh Pugh
- Oleanna - David Mamet
LT2 - Coursework and Commentary
- Frankenstein - Mary Shelley
- Ester Waters - George Moore
One module is available in January of year 12. It is likely that students will take the opportunity to sit one part of the final exam then. This will also allow us to 'fast track' some students and for others to re-sit should they wish to improve their grade. The level of achievement at that stage will allow students to make informed decisions about the progression to the full advanced qualification.
Year 13 - A2
LT3 - Coursework on 3 texts
LT4 - Poetry and Drama Exam
It is hoped LT4 will be taught in Autumn Term of year 13 ready for the exam in January for fast track students. Opportunities for re-sits would then be available in June.
Where can it lead?
The study of English literature develops skills in analysing complex texts and presenting coherent and well-structures arguments. The ability to communicate in both written and oral forms and to deal with a variety of material is attractive to a wide range of employers. Professions, such as journalism, publishing, advertising, the law, management, teaching and the theatre are just a few options.
Extra-curricular activities
Wherever possible, visits are arranged to performances of set texts and other related play. A decision to opt for advanced level English Literature implies willingness to participate in such visits and other related activities.
