English Literature A Level

You will develop your enjoyment and interest in literature and broaden your knowledge and understanding of poetry, plays and novels, from the seventeenth century to the present day. English Literature is a core subject and you will be able to combine it effectively with any other mix of subjects. You will develop important skills such as critical analysis and writing skills which are highly valued by universities and, of course, by your future employer.

English is a subject for students who take real pleasure in reading. If you enjoy reading, this will probably be your favourite subject.

Entry Requirements

A minimum of 40 points for your average GCSE score, Mathematics, English Language and English Literature at grades A*-C plus at least three other GCSEs from our specified range of GCSE subjects and a satisfactory reference.

International Entry Requirements
IELTS 5.5, High School Certificate Grade C or above (or equivalent)

Content and Assessment

Four units are examined, two for the AS and two more for the full A Level. The AS provides a thorough foundation in the subject. You will examine six main texts covering prose, poetry and drama. One of these will be by Shakespeare, and there will also be some very recent works. The emphasis in the first year is on exploring how stories are told. In the second year you will study six further texts, and the emphasis will be on looking at different genres and exploring different ways of reading texts. You will broaden and develop your intellectual skills in this subject; you will learn how to communicate clearly and write fluently, and you will discuss and read a variety of texts, covering prose, poetry and drama. You will be encouraged to participate in active debate about the texts and to develop an appreciation of alternative critical views.

Coursework

Unit 2 in the first year and Unit 4 in the second year are coursework and make up 40% of the marks.

Course Duration

The A level qualification is a full-time course achieved over a two year period. In the first year you study the AS modules and in the second year you will study the A2 modules. The year begins in September and runs through to the beginning of July.

Progression

English Literature remains a very popular A Level subject and leads into a wide variety of degree courses at university. Careers in journalism, public relations and marketing are some of the future career options.

Additional Information

You will want to have your own copies of set texts in order to write your own notes and comments in them; their cost is modest. You will also have the opportunity to take part in theatre visits and conferences that we know will enrich your enjoyment of English Literature.

Exam Board

The exam board is AQA. The Specification is English Literature B, 2745. You can find more information at www.aqa.org.uk

Admissions

Pleae apply for our A level course (minimum three subjects) on-line through our website, www.kingston-college.ac.uk or by following the link to the right of this page.