Overview
This course allows you to explore, discuss, analyse, and evaluate a wide range of literature across all genres.
You will read extensively, bringing your own insights to both modern and classic texts. You will also explore texts through a variety of literary theory perspectives.
Throughout the course, you will prepare texts for both examination and coursework assessment.
Entry requirements
GCSE English Literature – Grade 5 in both Literature and Language.
Course content
Literary Genres: Tragedy
In this unit, you will study three key texts linked to the genre of tragedy: King Lear, Death of a Salesman, and selected poetry by John Keats. Assessment for this unit takes place through examinations in Year 13.
Texts and Genres: Political and Social Protest
This unit focuses on texts that explore political and social protest. You will study Songs of Innocence and Experience by William Blake, The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, and The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. You will also develop skills to analyse unseen literature in preparation for the unseen passage in your examination.
Non-Exam Assessment
You will complete two pieces of coursework, analysing literary texts using critical theories such as Marxist criticism and feminism. You will select two texts independently, with guidance, and conduct in-depth research. This allows you to provide original, personal insights and demonstrate your analytical skills.
Trips, visits and extra-curricular
Students in the English department can take part in our Creative Writing Club and contribute to the Sixth Form newsletter committee.
We also organise trips to plays, museums, and universities, providing subject-specific lectures and opportunities to broaden students’ cultural and academic experiences.
Assessment
Paper 1: Aspects of Tragedy
- 2 hour 30 minute exam, closed book
- 40% of the qualification
Paper 2: Texts and Genres
- 3 hour exam, open book
- 40% of the qualification
Coursework
- Two essays
- 20% of the qualification
Results
At GCSE level, our English Language and Literature department has a strong record of excellence, consistently delivering outstanding results and significantly outperforming similar schools across all Assessment Objectives.
In A Level English Literature, our students achieved exceptional results in 2024, with 31% attaining an A* grade. Our experienced teachers, many of whom are exam markers, have a proven track record of helping students exceed their target grades. The 2024 results further demonstrate that our students perform above the national average in all areas of the course.
Exam board
AQA