English Literature

Qualification - A Level

Exam Board - EDUQAS

WHY CHOOSE ENGLISH LITERATURE?

This course is for students who love reading, who wish to improve their writing ability and who simply love discussing great ideas! English is a highly sought after qualification by colleges and universities alike. Being a well-read individual with the ability to write competently is a valuable life skill and will broaden your career choices for the future with whatever route you ultimately decide to take. TESTIMONIAL FROM PREVIOUS STUDENT: “English is an art form with words being the canvas. I chose English for the insight it gives you on a language that is always changing.”

 

OVERVIEW OF CONTENT

In the first year you will study a range of texts and forms; from plays to poetry and novels, from pre and post 1900. In the second year you will study different collections of poetry alongside Shakespeare and a further drama text from Carol Ann Duffy to Tennessee Williams. Overall, on this course you will study a fascinating selection of literary perspectives throughout the ages.

 

HOW WILL YOU BE ASSESSED?

COMPONENT 1 – POETRY

The poetry anthology focused on will be ‘Mean Time’ by Carol Ann Duffy.

CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL GRADE: 30%

COMPONENT 2 – DRAMA

The play focussed on will be Tennessee Williams’ ‘A Street Car Named Desire’.

CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL GRADE: 30%

COMPONENT 3 - UNSEEN TEXTS

Section A - Unseen prose One question from a choice of two, analysing and unseen passage of prose.

Section B - Unseen poetry One question from a choice of two, based on the reading of a pair of plays: one pre-1900 and one post-1900, from a prescribed list. 2 hour written exam.

CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL GRADE: 20%

COMPONENT 4 - PROSE STUDY

One 2500-3500 word assignment based on the reading of two prose texts from different periods, one pre-2000 and one post-2000, nominated by the Academy. Coursework, internally assessed and externally moderated 2 hour written exam.

CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL GRADE: 20%

 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

 MINIMUM OF FIVE GRADES 4 – 9 AT GCSE. IN ADDITION A MINIMUM OF A GRADE 5 IN GCSE ENGLISH.