English Literature

A LEVEL (AQA)

A level English Literature studies how great writing enables the exploration of many of life's fundamental themes: love, loneliness, prejudice, bravery and perseverance to name but a few. From Shakespeare plays to contemporary novels, you will explore English Literature from a range of cultures and make connections between them. You will look at fiction, non-fiction, drama and poetry and investigate the cultural and historical influences on readers and writers.

Key topics

exploring the use of literary and dramatic devices and shaping of meanings in your chosen plays
studying aspects of prose via two thematically linked texts
developing depth of knowledge about poetic style, by studying poetry from within a literary period or movement

You will

study a tragedy drama "Othello" by Shakespeare and another modern tragedy "Streetcar Named desire" by Tennessee Williams

incorporate the links and connections between thematically linked prose, and the contexts in which they were written and received
apply your knowledge of poetic form, content and meaning in your response to unseen poetry
extend your understanding of the concerns and choices of modern day poets

A minimum of 5 GCSEs (average score of 5)
These must include:
- English Language at grade 6
- English Literature at grade 5
- Maths at grade 4
Assessment methods include:
- Exams
- Coursework
This course can be taken as part of an A Level programme.
We recommend that students choose three A Levels or a combination of Level 3 Extended Certificates and A Levels. Depending on your GCSE grades and long-term destination, some students may be able to take up to four A Levels.
If you are planning on progressing to university, the majority of university courses do not require specific subjects. Most universities prefer that you are able to demonstrate skills and competence via the successful completion of related courses. Therefore we recommend that the most important thing when choosing course combinations is that you choose a range of subjects that your enjoy and excel in.
We do not recommend that your take two courses that are similar to each other in content.
Some courses and universities require that you take specific A Levels for entry onto their courses. Please visit: UCAS.com and explore individual university entry requirements for more information.
If you are planning on studying Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry or other competitive science based courses, most universities require you to take Biology, Chemistry and either Maths, Statistics or Physics.
If you want more information on choosing your A Levels, please speak to your schools career advisor or chat to us at any of our careers or open day events.
Prepare to join a department that prides itself on creativity and high academic standards. Work with a range of professionals who challenge and inspire you.
EXCELLENT RESULTS
English achieves 100% pass rates at A Level and has the best GCSE English results locally for a sixth form college. English will give you the language and written communication skills needed to thrive in all other subjects.
As a language, English has a very rich literary heritage as regards to poetry, short stories, novels and plays and this is a fascinating aspect of the subject that is explored in A level English.
UNIQUE PARTNERSHIPS
- Kings College Classics Programme
- Kings College Historical Memory and Identity Programme
- Wadham and Pembroke Humanities Programmes with Oxford University
- Links with Oxford and Cambridge Historians
- SOAS Holocaust Educational Trust
- EPQ with Greenwich University
- Cromwell Society
- Historical Association
- Geography Association
- French Cultural Institute
- Investec
- Bank of England
- Stephen Timms MP
- Friends of the Earth
- Parliament Education Services
INSPIRATIONAL ACADEMICS
The English team consists of experienced journalists, musicians, poets and have experiences teaching overseas in countries such as Azerbaijan and Turkey.
You will learn from experts with academic qualifications including Masters degrees in a range of subjects including philosophy, linguistics, media and communications, enabling your lessons to be taught at a high level throughout your studies.
Outside of education the English team have professional experience in a range of industries including journalism and music with a member of staff working as a sound engineer in a top 20 hit pop song. Members of the team also perform as musicians and have played in various rock bands in London. They are also interested in a wide range of topics such as the link between literacy and music.
Whatever support you need, we’re here for you and will make sure you get the most out of your time at college.
We have expert teams in place to look after every single one of our students.
Our specialist teams can help with:
- Learning difficulties
- Physical and sensory disabilities
- Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD, Aspergers or other specific learning difficulties
- Mental health, counselling and wellbeing
- Exam access arrangements
- Money, finance and bursary advice
- Careers advice, job and university applications
English Literature is a highly respected A level. As well as an English Literature degree itself, students of Literature might go on to study for University degrees in a range of subjects including: History, Sociology, Psychology, Drama and Theatre Studies and Law. Even Medical Schools value the subject highly.
It is also very effective in developing transferrable skills such as interpretive abilities, communication, an understanding of how language works, close analysis, and the ability to construct a well-argued case. These are highly valued in a range of graduate careers such as Teaching, Business and Finance, Journalism, Publishing – even Politics.
The Complete University Guide give university rankings each year. If you are planning on progressing to university, find out which universities are ranked most highly for English.