English Literature

Aims of the course: 

  • Read widely and independently set texts and others that they have selected for themselves. 
  • Engage critically and creatively with a substantial body of texts and ways of responding to them. 
  • Develop and effectively apply their knowledge of literary analysis and evaluation. 
  • Explore the contexts of the texts they are reading and others’ interpretations of them. 
  • Undertake independent and sustained studies to deepen their appreciation and understanding of English literature, including its changing traditions. 

Content: 

This A Level course will encourage critical reading, analytical writing and confident debate. Students will study eight literary texts across drama, prose and poetry, exploring how writers shape meaning through form, structure and language, and how texts speak to each other across time period and context. Students will have the opportunity to develop their own critical voice through independent research and extended comparative writing. 

Curriculum map 

Year  Curriculum overview  Assessment 
12  Students begin with Paper 1: Drama, studying Othello and A Streetcar Named Desire, before moving on to Paper 2: Prose, comparing The War of the Worlds and The Handmaid’s Tale.  

 

Students also begin planning and drafting their NEA coursework texts and comparative focus. 

 Paper 1: Drama  

2 hours 15 minutes examination
Open book
30% of final grade 

Paper 2: Prose 

1 hour 15 minutes examination
Open book
20% of final grade 

Paper 3: Poetry  

2 hours 15 minutes examination
Open book
30% of final grade 

Non-Examination Assessment   

One extended comparative essay on two chosen texts.  

Word count 2,500–3,000 words. 

20% of final grade 
13  Students study Paper 3: Poetry, covering the poetry of Keats alongside Poems of the Decade and unseen poetry.  

 

Students complete and finalise their NEA essay. The remainder of the year focuses on consolidating and mastering all eight studied texts through structured revision. 

 

Career opportunities (What can this qualification lead to) 
A Level English Literature is well regarded by universities and employers alike for the breadth of transferable skills it develops, including critical thinking, close analysis, and confident written and verbal communication. 

 

Students can progress to higher education courses such as English, English Literature, Creative Writing, or related fields including Journalism, Media, Drama, History and Teaching.  

 

Beyond university, the qualification supports a wide range of careers connected to literature and communication, including teaching, editing, writing, publishing, journalism, media, advertising, marketing, public relations, arts administration, libraries and archives, and roles within national and local government and the civil service. 

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