A Level | English Literature

English Literature at Leighton Park

Exam Board: Edexcel

Will the course suit me?

English A Level requires a good level of competency in writing and a genuine enjoyment of reading  range of literary forms (prose, drama and poetry); you should enjoy film and theatre too. In addition, you should have a strong desire to discuss your ideas with peers, defending your position with textual examples and developing your critical thinking. Studying literature not only enhances one’s capacity inference, but develops critical empathy, an increasingly vital kills in our globalised and connected world. 

Benefits of the Course

It will allow you to read a range of poetry, prose and drama from throughout history, which develops your appreciation of a wide range of literature from different periods, in different styles, genres and contexts. You will develop your ability to analyse and to think critically, which in turn improves confidence and communication skills as the course will develop oral and written powers of expression. Students also gain an ability to link abstract ideas and concepts to real world situations and the ability to compare and contrast text, and analyse them in detail. English literature combines well with History, Ancient History, Philosophy, Psychology, Religious Studies, Politics, Modern Foreign Languages and Theatre Studies.

Outside the Classroom

• Creative writing
• Debating
• Film society
• Study days
• Theatre trips
• School newspaper
• JBH Speech Competition

Future Opportunities

Apart from reading English at university, the course prepares you for myriad other subjects at university and careers in law, journalism, media, sports journalism,  film and tv, politics, website creation, computer game design, teaching, civil service, management, retail, events ,management, social work, administration, publishing, public relations, marketing, librarianships, hospitality etc.

Course Description

• Drama  -  2 hours 15 mins (open book)  -  1 Shakespeare play and 1 other drama  -  30%
• Prose  -   1 hour 15 mins (open book)  -   2 thematically-linked prose texts (one of which is pre-1900)   -  20%
• Poetry  -  2 hours and 15 minutes (open book including unseen poetry)  -   1 prescribed poet or period of poetry, plus a wide ranging selection of  contemporary and unseen poetry  -  30%
• Coursework  -  1 comparative essay (2,500-3,000 words)  -  2 works of literature – free choice  -  20%

If you have any queries about this course, please contact Head of Department: Jessica Boswell

To apply for our Sixth Form, please see our Admissions page.