English Literature

Head of Department: Ms Rai

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.

THE CURRICULUM

Year 12-13 curriculum plan

ENRICHMENT & 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. 

LIFE AFTER CHRIST'S

Many students continue to study the subject at degree level at a range of universities including those in the Russell Group such as Exeter and Liverpool.  Further and higher qualifications in English enable students to develop their reading, writing and analytical skills to a high level and provide a platform for careers in a wide range of areas including journalism, the law, the media, teaching, marketing and human resources.

LINKS & RESOURCES

Exam Boards:

KS5

A Level

Exam board: AQA English Literature Specification A

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/as-and-a-level/english-literature-a-7711-7712/specification-at-a-glance

Course code:  7711, 7712

There are a range of reading lists and subject specific publications in the Learning Resources Centre.

KS5

Revision/study guides for each text

https://www.yorknotes.com/alevel/english-literature