- Home
- Our Curriculum
- Subjects
- English Literature
English Literature
Everything that has ever been written in poetry, prose or drama is a record of the thoughts and ideas which people have had through the ages.
By taking English Literature, you will be studying the history of what people have thought and felt. This subject considers how and why writers make the choices they do, so that readers respond to the messages in their texts; this involves analysing the structure and language but also involves thinking about the contexts surrounding the production of the texts.
During the two years you will study a range of poetry, prose, and drama texts, from Tennessee Williams’ play A Streetcar Named Desire to William Blake’s Selected Poems. Preparation for the ‘unseen’ component allows us the freedom to explore poetry and prose beyond the set texts whilst the coursework component allows you to pursue your own interests, studying a novel of your choice alongside a second text.
Entry Criteria
6 in GCSE Language and 6 in GCSE English Literature.
Companion Subjects
Performing Arts (Level 3)
Career Paths
-
Publishing
-
Teaching
-
Journalism
-
Script Writing
-
Marketing
-
Law
-
Research
-
Theatre Critic
Curriculum Content
Subject Intent
A’ Level English Literature is about engaging with powerful stories, voices, and ideas across time. From Shakespeare to modern crime fiction, this course encourages students to think deeply, question interpretations, and connect literature to the world around them.
It develops skills in critical reading, argument, analysis, and essay writing—perfect for university and for careers where insight and communication matter. We foster a love of literature that celebrates creativity, critical thinking, and independent thought. The texts are explored through the lens of genre – Tragedy and Crime – and include 20th Century Drama, Romantic poetry and the modern novel.
Year 12
William Shakespeare, King Lear (1606)
Ian McEwan, Atonement (2001)
Samuel Taylor Coleridge, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (1798)
Preparation for non-exam assessment, studying Thomas Hardy’s poems alongside aspects of literary theory, both taken from AQA’s Anthologies
Year 13
Arthur Miller, Death of a Salesman (1949)
John Keats, Selected Poems (1818-1820)
William Shakespeare, Hamlet (1603)
Completion of non-exam assessment: one essay exploring Thomas Hardy’s poetry through the lens of narrative theory; one essay exploring a novel of your choice through the lens of Feminist, Post-Colonial, or Marxist theory.
Assessment
-
Paper One (Aspects of Tragedy)
-
2 hours 30 minutes: closed book (40%)
-
-
Paper Two (Elements of Crime Writing)
-
3 hours: open book (40%)
-
-
Non-exam assessment (Theory and Independence)
-
Two essays of 1200-1500 words (20%)
-
Homework & Independent Study
Students will complete regular timed essays, wider reading - including critical material - and annotation tasks.
You’ll also develop research notes for NEA, read critical interpretations, and engage with wider literary perspectives, including feminist, Marxist, and postcolonial theory.
Independent reading is encouraged—building confidence and curiosity across different genres and eras.
Enrichment Opportunities
- Theatre trips and live screenings of studied plays
- Guest lectures
- Reading and discussion groups
- Creative and academic writing competitions
- Mentoring for students considering English or humanities at university (including Oxbridge)
Where Can English Literature Take You?
English Literature builds skills in analysis, argument, empathy, and communication. It’s ideal preparation for degrees in:
- English, Law, History, Journalism, Politics, Philosophy, Creative Writing, and more
It opens pathways into careers like:
- Publishing, teaching, civil service, media, marketing, copywriting, charity work, and arts management
English Literature is a subject for thinkers, communicators, and anyone who wants to understand people and power through stories.