English Literature

A-Level English Literature

Exam Board: Edexcel

Introduction:

English Literature A Level is fundamentally about reading - books, poems, short stories, plays. However, this necessarily encompasses watching plays, discussing literature and poetry and delving into the worlds that writers create.

You will advance your analytical skills, develop an innate evaluative ability and demonstrate a fluency in your control and command of the English language. Furthermore, you will practice and home the ability to form a cohesive and convincing argument, backed up by evidence and literary concepts. As part of the course you will also learn how to weave both historical and critical appreciations into your own analysis, galvanising your interpretative skills.

The teaching is entirely different to GCSEs and the skills are learnt through the study of the literature. On a superficial level, this gives you a great understanding of the texts and authors studied over the two years. However, it also leaves you with an understanding on how to learn, read and explore any avenue of the written word you will encounter as an adult.

Moreover, an exploration of literature and poetry is also an exploration of the world and its history; by studying English, you are also studying art, art history, history, media, philosophy and many more.

Where does it Lead to?

There are no limitations with an English Literature A Level. As one of the core subjects, most universities and employers recognise it as a badge of intelligence and diligence. This is for good reasons as the demands of the qualification are not small.

The skills taught would prove invaluable for almost any choice of career. Nevertheless, common uses of English Literature beyond school might be law, journalism, publishing, media production, advertising, social enterprise and charity, government and civil service and teaching.

 Course Detail:

The full A Level is a two year linear course with all modules being assessed at the end of Year 13, with the exception of the non-examination assessment (coursework) that is completed in the second term of Year 13. It is also possible to receive the AS qualification after one year of the study although this does not contribute towards the final A Level grade.

Examination Details:  

Key Contact: KS5 coordinator Mrs Olowofoyeku (sol@slougheton.com) OR Curriculum Leader: Mrs Afraoui - (naf@slougheton.com)