English Literature

GCSE Maths grade 3 or above

GCSE English Language grade 5 or above

GCSE English Literature grade 5 or above

5 GCSE’s at grade 4 or above

year1

Drama and poetry pre 1900

You’ll study Shakespeare’s The Tempest as well as a comparison of Ibsen’s A Doll’s House with the poetry of Christina Rossetti

For Immigrant Experience you will read widely in immigrant fiction to examine the themes and tropes that occur frequently. Also you will compare Mohsin Hamid’s The Reluctant Fundamentalist and Andrea Levy’s Small Island.

For your coursework you will study Kae Tempest’s Brand New Ancients where you can choose a re-creative or analytical response. Also you will study the American play A Streetcar Named Desire and choose and American novel to compare with it.

You’ll develop skills in close analysis, comparison and understanding historical context.

Critical Reading & Literary Methods (OCR)

Literary form, genre and narrative structure

Contextual influences and critical interpretations

Analysis of language, structure and themes

year2

We study all texts from year 1 but in the second year the focus is on an in depth awareness of the ways critics and interpretations can change the meaning of texts.

You will also develop an in-depth mastery of the ways contexts enhance your understanding of texts.

Independent Critical Study: American fiction

Comparative essay on A Streetcar Named Desire and an Americna novel of choice

Independent research and critical argument

This encourages personal interest and academic independence.

skillsDeveloped

You will build skills in:

Critical reading and textual analysis

Comparative writing and argument development

Research and independent study

Understanding historical, cultural and literary contexts

Confident, thoughtful communication

We combine close reading, group discussion, contextual study, workshops and independent research. Regular writing practice helps you gain confidence in structuring arguments and expressing ideas clearly.

You will complete timed essays, practice extracts, comparison tasks and research activities. Feedback focuses on strengthening argument, analysis and written clarity.

Assessment:

Paper 1: Drama and poetry pre19002 hours 30 minutes) (OCR)

Paper 2: Comparative and Contextual study- Immigrant Experience (2 hours 30 minutes) (OCR)

Non‑Exam Assessment (NEA): Independent Critical Study –Kae Tempest’s Brand New Ancients and American comparison (20%) (AQA)

Access to a full range of set texts

Online research tools and criticism

Dedicated English classrooms

Support for NEA planning and writing

No compulsory costs. Optional theatre trips and study guides may involve a small charge.

Pairs well with:

History

Politics

Sociology

Philosophy

Media

Many students progress to degrees in:

English Literature

English Language

Creative Writing

Journalism

Education

Law

Media and Communications

Humanities and Social Sciences

English Literature develops analytical thinking and communication skills valued across many careers.

You may have opportunities for:

Theatre visits

University lectures

Creative writing activities

Guest speakers and workshops