In order to study English Literature A Level, students should have achieved at least a grade B in both English Literature and First Language English, although exceptions can be made.
English Literature A level is where things get really exciting, opening up the study of contemporary and canonical literature through the integration of cultural theory, politics, history, gender studies and psychology.
You will develop your communication skills, writing essays which set out complex arguments and use sophisticated terminology, while also delivering presentations in class. There will be the opportunity to take part in group work, drama activities and creative writing tasks.
You will learn how to compare and contrast different works of literature, as well as evaluating critical interpretations by academic scholars to create your own ideas.
You will be culturally enriched by a subject which is regarded as highly rigorous and prestigious by British and American universities. It is ideal for any student who is intellectually curious and keen to develop their analytical and creative skills.
English Literature works as a complementary subject for History, Drama and Theatre and Modern Languages, but it can equally be chosen by students who are taking Maths and science subjects, in order to demonstrate their range of intellectual interests and skills.
English Literature is a broad subject, and much will depend upon the pathway chosen by your two teachers. However, you might engage with some of the following:
We will be following the Edexcel course, in which you will sit three open book exams: ‘Shakespeare and Drama’, ‘The Novel’ and ‘Poetry’. For each you will study a mixture of modern and canonical texts.
In addition, you will write a coursework essay on two texts under the supervision of your teacher, which is worth 20% of your final grade. For this there are no predefined set texts: your teacher will select an area of study and teach within it, but able, self-motivated pupils may be given the option to adapt or pursue their own interests under their teacher’s close supervision. Texts can be from any genre and any period; they may be linked by theme, author or historical period.
Due to the valuable transferable skills which English Literature develops, it can lead to a wide variety of university courses and subsequent professional opportunities. A Level Literature students have in the past studied degrees in anything from International Business Management to PPE, as well as courses in History, Geography and Modern Languages.
In the past, students have been offered places to study English Language and Literature at the University of Oxford. There are also currently former Runnymede pupils who are studying for degrees in English Literature at the Universities of Warwick and Manchester.
As an A Level, English Literature would be useful for professional careers such as management, law, publishing, the creative industries including film and TV, journalism, the media and public relations.