Course
A-Level English Literature
Exam Board
AQA
For more information contact Head of Department:
Ms G Higham - ghigham@stedmunds.org
Brief introduction to subject:
This course has a distinct philosophy which centres on different ways of reading and the connections that exist between texts within a literary genre. In this way, students can gain a solid understanding of how texts can be connected and how they can be interpreted in multiple ways in order that students can arrive at their own interpretations and become confident autonomous readers. Students are then not only equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for exams, but also experience a rich, challenging and coherent approach to English Literature that provides an excellent basis for further study in the subject.
What our students say
"There is such a wide variety of things to discuss ā we are always debating our interpretations."
"I love seeing the words on the page come to life when we read them."
"The lessons are enjoyable and our teachers know how best to help us achieve our full potential."
Course Requirements
GCSE English Language - Grade 6
GCSE English Literature - Grade 6
Paper 1
Title: Literary Genres
Option 1A:
- Aspects of tragedy
Study of three texts:
- one Shakespeare text (Othello)
- a second drama text (Death of a Salesman)
- one further text of which one must be written pre-1900 (selection of Keatsā poetry)
Assessment: (Closed book)
- written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes
- 40% of A-level
Maximum Marks available: 75 marks
Information regarding Assessment:
- Section A: One passage-based question on set Shakespeare text (25 marks)
- Section B: One essay question on set Shakespeare text (25 marks)
- Section C: One essay question linking two texts (25 marks)
Paper 2
Title: Texts and Genres
Option 2A:
- Elements of crime writing
Study of three texts:
- one post-2000 prose text (Atonement)
- one poetry text which must be written pre-1900 (Browning, Crabbe, Wilde)
- one further text (The Murder of Roger Ackroyd)
Exam will include an unseen passage
Assessment: (Open book)
- written exam: 3 hours
- 40% of A-level
Maximum Marks available: 75 marks
Information regarding Assessment:
- Section A: One compulsory question on an unseen passage (25 marks)
- Section B: One essay question on set text (25 marks)
- Section C: One essay question which connects two texts (25 marks)
Non-exam assessment
Title: Theory and Independence
Study of two texts, one poetry and one prose, informed by the study of the AQA Critical Anthology which has accessible extracts on the following critical methods and ideas:
- narrative theory
- feminist theory
- Marxist theory
- eco-critical theory
- post-colonial theory
- literary value and the canon
- post-colonial theory
- literary value and the canon
Assessment: (by teacher)
- 20% of A-level
- moderated by AQA
Maximum Marks available: 50 marks
Information regarding Assessment: Two essays of 1250 -1500 words, each responding to a different text and linking to a different aspect of the Critical Anthology. One essay can be re-creative. The re-creative piece will be accompanied by a commentary.
We believe that English is the ultimate facilitating subject. This is because of the undeniable value of being a competent reader and writer. The skills you gain through studying English Literature are marketable in almost any career area. For example, Marketing, Advertising, Teaching, Journalism, Public Relations, Law and many more. This course will not only teach you to analyse the work of others, but also support you to develop your own craft ā an extremely valuable skill for any career path.
