Why study English Literature?
The course demands that candidates read widely, critically and independently, across centuries, genre and gender. Central to the topics is an understanding of how readers’ responses are shaped by the context, by writers’ choices and by other readers’ interpretations. Candidates are challenged to form opinions after reading critical reviews. Three core texts are studied: one poetry and one prose text, of which one must be written pre-1900, and one Shakespeare play. The examination includes two unseen poems. As well as careers in journalism, advertising and teaching, the skills gained from English Literature can lead to students moving on to a wide range of other professions.
Subject at A-level
In Year 12 and 13 students who opt to study English Literature A-level will follow AQA Specification A, (7712). This is a reformed course; students opting for this subject are examined at the end of two years at the end of Year 13.
Theme of Unit 1- Love through the Ages Paper 1- Love through the Ages - Shakespeare
Students in Year 12 will study the Shakespeare play Othello. The theme of love and how Shakespeare portrays it in this important play is studied in detail. An historicist approach is required, meaning there has to be an appreciation that the literature texts are a product of their time and context.
Paper 1 - Love through the Ages - Prose
Year 12 students will study a prose text, either Wuthering Heights or Atonement.
The paper for this component is open book. Students may take a clean copy of their set texts into the exam. These texts must not be annotated and must not contain any additional notes or material. GMS provide this copy, students are expected to pay for a copy of the book for use in lessons and at home.
Theme of Unit 2- Texts in Shared Contexts
Paper 2 - Texts in Shared Contexts: Option B, Modern Times In Year 12 students study the play ‘Cat On a Hot Tin Roof’ by Tennessee
Williams, which is set in the southern states of America and study the concepts of morality, rivalries, tensions, and avarice in a dysfunctional family.
In addition, the prose text, Spies by Michael Frayn is studied. Set in war time Britain it has themes on the legacy of war; personal and social identity; changing morality and social structures; gender, class, resistance and rebellion. Students have to engage with the social, political, personal and literary issues that Frayn addresses in his novel.
The two texts are compared in the examination, looking at a theme common to both.
A-level Assessment Examination Unit 1 - Love through the Ages
Paper 1: Section A - Shakespeare Compulsory essay on a passage-based question (25 marks) Section B - Unseen Poetry
Compulsory essay on two unseen poems (25 marks) Section C - Comparing Texts
One essay question linking two texts (25 marks) Assessment: 3 hour written exam paper in June. Open book in C section only. Worth 75 marks - 40% of A-level mark.
25 Entry Requirements
The criteria for enrolment on the course is at least a Grade 6 in English Language or Literature.
However, students who do not achieve the required grades may be
allowed
on the course after an interview with the Head of Department, who will make a decision based on evidence from subject teachers.
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