GCE A LEVEL
Introduction to course
The variety of texts studied and the assessment styles used (passage-based questions, unseen material, single-text questions, multiple-text questions, open- and closed-book approaches) allow students to develop a wide range of skills, such as the ability to read critically, analyse, evaluate and undertake independent research which are valuable for both further study and future employment.
Exam board/specification
AQA Specification A
Entry Requirements
- Grade 6 in GCSE English Literature
- Grade 5 in English Language
Modules/units
- Paper 1 – Love Through the Ages: Poetry, Prose and Shakespeare
- Paper 2 – Texts in Shared Contexts: WWl and its aftermath
- Coursework – Independent Critical Study: Texts Across Time
Assessment
Paper 1: 3 hours (40%). Open book in Sec. C only
- Sec. A: Shakespeare One passage-based question with linked essay (25 marks)
- Sec. B: Unseen poetry Compulsory essay question on two unseen poems (25 marks)
- Sec. C: Comparing texts One essay question linking two texts (25 marks)
Paper 2: 2 hours 30 minutes (40%). Open book.
- Sec. A: Set texts One essay question on set text (25 marks)
- Sec. B: Contextual linking One question on an unseen extract (25 marks) and one essay question linking two texts (25 marks)
Coursework (20%)
- One extended essay comparing two texts, at least one of which must have been written pre-1900. (2,500 words) and a bibliography
Progression Routes
English literature is one of the most vibrant and popular subjects to study at A Level. It is highly valued by universities and employers as a traditional academic subject of high status. It can lead to a career in journalism, teaching, law, business, publishing, script writing, communications, advertising and many others.