English Literature

The department organises regular theatre trips, including an annual visit to Stratford-upon-Avon, and trips to relevant study days on set texts. Last year, year 12 and 13 students visited Moniack Mhor, Scotland’s national creative writing centre. The department also supports and encourages students to take part in creative writing competitions.

English Literature is an interesting and highly valued course that will open up a wide range of possibilities for the future. Former English Literature students have gone on to study a very wide range of subjects at university. In addition to English and related subjects, our students have read for degrees in such subjects as Anthropology and Archaeology, Law, Criminology, Modern Languages, Psychology, Theatre, Film and Television.

Aspects of Tragedy – Exam Paper – 40% of marks

Elements of Social and Political Protest Writing – Exam Paper – 40% of marks

Two pieces of writing – Coursework – 20% of marks

Summary

The A level course is a thought-provoking exploration of a minimum of eight texts which range across the genres and history of English Literature. Alongside regular discussions on how meanings are generated within texts, students will also develop the analytical writing skills required at this level.

Aspects of Tragedy
Paper 1 requires students to analyse how aspects of the tragic genre are presented in a variety of texts:
• Othello – William Shakespeare
• Death of a Salesman – Arthur Miller
• Selection of Keats’ Poetry

Elements of Social and Political Protest Writing
Paper 2 requires students to explore their texts through the lens of political and social protest writing:
• The Kite Runner – Khaled Hosseini
• A Doll’s House – Henrik Ibsen
• Songs of Innocence and Experience – William Blake

Coursework assessment

The non-examined assessment allows students to explore one prose text and one poetry text of their own choosing, making use of a range of critical perspectives.

Students are encouraged to read as much as possible. Those joining us in September should look at a selection from the set texts. The Kite Runner makes an excellent summer read.