Who is the course for?

The first question we ask at open evenings is, “Do you love reading?” There is only one acceptable answer for a student hoping to follow this course! This ever-popular A level is for students who not only find reading compelling, but who want to become better and more analytical readers, open-minded and adventurous about reading beyond their current experience. Studying the writing of others will enhance students’ own writing skills as they learn more about the way accomplished writers create characters, devise narratives or produce intensely moving poetry.

Content outline

The AS course involves the detailed study of two texts written during the period 1800-1945: a prose text and a selection of poems by one poet. This is complemented by the study of a literary-critical text introducing literary concepts and approaches. This unit is assessed through an examination.

There is also an AS coursework unit involving the production of a folder of around 3000 words. This comprises a close reading or recreative writing task based on one post-1900 text and an essay exploring contrasts and comparisons between two other linked texts from the same period, informed by the interpretations of other readers.

The A2 course involves the detailed study of a Shakespeare play as well as the comparative study of another drama text and a further poetry text, both written prior to 1800. These texts are assessed through an examination.

In addition there is an A2 coursework unit which aims to develop the research skills acquired at AS level through an extended individual study of three literary texts across at least two of the genres of poetry, prose and drama.