English Literature

Head of Department: Ms Rai

Course Summary

We aim to enable students to become confident, articulate communicators in both spoken and written English and to foster a lifelong love of literature. Studying English Literature at A Level allows students to develop their analytical and writing skills, to share the experiences, perspectives, ideas and beliefs of others and to express themselves in creative and original ways.

A Level English Literature is currently taught by Ms Buchanan and Ms Hawksworth (Y12) and Ms Buchanan and Mr Payne (Y13). Students explore drama, poetry and prose through a combination of discussion, reading and writing; they are encouraged to broaden their independent reading and to attend lectures, conferences and theatre productions.  The analytical, interpretative and discursive skills developed through studying literature provide excellent preparation for university.  A level English Literature is a facilitating subject and is highly regarded by universities.

Year 12 students will study 'Love through the Ages' and then move onto World War One and its Aftermath: Life Class, Pat Barker and the war poetry of Wilfred Owen in Year 13.

We offer English Literature as a two year linear course following the AQA English Literature A specification. Students develop and extend their reading repertoire and are expected to carry out a significant amount of independent reading and research.

Enrichment and Extra Curricular

We believe that it is important for students to experience the richness and variety of English and drama outside the classroom. We arrange theatre visits, poetry reading events, lectures and conferences for sixth form students such as a trip to see ‘Dr Faustus’ at the Sam Wanamaker Theatre and a series of lectures on ‘Frankenstein’. We also encourage students to take on leadership responsibilities and to mentor younger students. 

Reading and Resources

York Notes

Exam Board

AQA English Literature Specification A - Course code:  7711, 7712

Course Specificaiton