A-Level English Literature

A Level English Literature

Specification: Edexcel

Method of Assessment: Examination – 80%, Coursework 20%

Course Overview:

Over the two years, students will study at least eight texts in each of the genres of poetry, prose and drama.  Of the eight texts studied, at least three will be published before 1900 and include a play by Shakespeare.  At least one of the text studied will have been published post-2000.

In the poetry exam, students will be required to analyse an unseen text.

Units Studied:

UNIT 1: Drama (30%)

In depth study of Drama conventions and presentation across time.

Texts: Othello by William Shakespeare. A Streetcar Named Desire by Tenessee Williams.

Assessment: 2hr15 Exam - Open book. In Section A: Shakespeare Pupils answer 1 question from a choice of 2 on their chosen play and a range of critical reading. In Section B: Other Drama Pupils answer 1 question from a choice of 2 on their text.

UNIT 2: Prose (20%)

Pre 1900 Prose Fiction – in depth study of two texts.

Texts: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain.                                                   The Lonely Londoners  by Sam Selvon

Assessment: 1hr15 exam - Open book. Pupils write one comparative essay from a  choice of 2 along a chosen theme.

UNIT 3: Poetry (30%)

Post 2000 Anthology of specified poetry, including a specific focus on ‘The Romantics’.

Texts: The Wife of Bath Prologue and Tale By Geoffrey Chaucer. Poems of the Decade by a selection of contemporary poets.

Assessment: 2hr15 Exam - Open book. Section A: Post-2000 Specified Poetry: Pupils write one comparative essay question on an unseen modern poem written post 2000 and one named poem from the studied contemporary text. Section B – Specified Poetry Pre- or Post-1900: Pupils write one essay on the Wife of Bath Prologue and Tale. 

UNIT 4 – Independent Study (20%)

Students choose 2 texts for a comparative essay of 2500-3000 words.

Assessment: Pupils write one comparative essay of two texts studied. 2500-3000 words.

Entry Requirements:

Students require a minimum of 7 GCSE’s at grade 5 or above or equivalent, including Mathematics, with at least a grade 6 in English Literature.

Reading Materials / Resources: (Please do not purchase as they are not finalised).

www.crossref-it.info – Great website for Literary comparison.

Any pre- reading of set texts, or texts similar to Author highly recommended. Students invited to taster day are given a reading list for the Summer holidays.

Career Opportunities

Literature is a well-respected degree with many employers. It can lead to a gateway of opportunities including:

• Journalism
• Law
• Publishing
• Teaching
• Media and PR

Literature gives excellent transferrable skills, including comparison, analysis and reasoning which are recognised by UCAS and beyond.

For more information, please contact Mr Williams c/o sixthform@harristottenham.org.uk

Please mark FAO and contact name in the subject of the email.