Brief details:

The course involves the study of prose, drama and poetry texts, including Shakespeare. You will develop and extend your literary knowledge and also improve your skills of textual analysis. You will be studying a range of texts and choices will vary each year. For example, students will study a play by Shakespeare, for example ‘Hamlet’ and also a modern drama such as ‘Death of a Salesman’. You will also explore a prose genre, for example the gothic. To be successful in this subject you need to enjoy the challenge of reading more difficult texts and be prepared to study independently.  

Preferred entry requirements:

At least grade 5 at GCSE English language and English literature.

Units studied:

• Unit 1:        Shakespeare, drama and poetry pre-1900
• Unit 2:        Modern drama and contextual study of prose texts
• Unit 3:       Coursework

Exam Board: OCR

Course assessment details:

Assessment: This course is assessed through examinations (80%) and coursework assignments (20%)

Progression and career opportunities:

An A-level in English literature will particularly suit those looking to study or work in the following areas: teaching, law, media, film & TV, theatre, journalism and the public sector.