GCE A Level in English Literature B

This course is for students who want to continue studying English Literature after GCSE. It will suit you if you enjoy reading widely from different types of fiction including novels, poetry and plays. It naturally complements other arts and humanities subjects and is particularly suited to students wishing to pursue careers in the arts, the media, business, education, law or any other field in which communication and analytical skills are important.

5 GCSE grades at 9 - 5 including at least a grade 5 in English Language, English Literature and Maths.

You'll be introduced to a range of past and contemporary writing including prose, poetry and drama (one of which will be Shakespeare). You'll explore the texts from the perspective of two different genres: either comedy or tragedy, crime writing or political and social protest writing. The course will give you an understanding of the influence of the cultural, historical and social contexts of the texts you are reading and the ways that authors shape meaning within their works. You'll develop the skills to write creatively and persuasively about your own personal response to literature in a critical and coherent manner. For the coursework element you will work independently, studying a theme of your own choice analysing two texts which will develop your skills of interpretation, analysis and critical thinking.

There will be teacher led lessons, individual and group project work, discussions and debates. There will be films and videos and student-led presentations. You will be expected to undertake private study including reading widely, research, revision and homework tasks. There will be theatre and literary event visits and careers talks from professionals such as writers, journalists and higher education experts.

There will be 2 exams: a 3 hour paper and one of 2 hours 30 minutes. These will make up 80% of your final marks. The remaining 20% of your marks will come from coursework which will be 2 essays in which you will write about two different literary texts using critical theories and ideas. One of the texts must be a poetry text and the other must be prose.

Youll have transferable skills such as critical analysis, research, the ability to debate and challenge: all of which can be used in a variety of careers. Its useful for many degree disciplines as well as English including law, history, philosophy and others and for careers in journalism, teaching, public relations, advisory work, law, research, media and advertising. There are higher and degree apprenticeship opportunities in sectors such as media, administration, business and law.