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English Literature.
Head of Faculty and Subject: Mr Stephen Bywater
A good grade in A Level English Literature speaks volumes to universities and employers about your capacity to think for yourself and to communicate your ideas effectively. Perhaps more importantly, the opportunity to study great literature offers all open-minded people a stimulating challenge.
English Literature at A level is taught in small seminar-style groups involving lots of discussion. Work focuses on the close analysis of poetry, prose and drama from a wide range of authors and eras. You are expected to read extensively – not only the prescribed texts but writing by critics, background information on historical context and additional texts which will enhance your understanding and appreciation.
Most assessed work takes the form of essays but the new A level offers scope for students to make a creative response to literature as well. So, for example, you could produce the lament of Queen Gertrude from Hamlet or a new ending to The Doll’s House by Ibsen and then write a commentary on your work and how it relates to your study of the text and tragedy as a genre.
