This document provides an overview of the A Level English Literature course, highlighting that it is challenging yet rewarding as it improves analytical skills, prepares students for university, and allows exploration of literature from different historical periods and critical perspectives. Current and past students comment that the course inspires creative thinking, changes views on society, and helps develop independent working habits through in-depth analysis and discussion of poems, stories, and ideas. The qualification involves exams on pre-1945 texts and coursework consisting of a critical analysis and essay on post-1900 linked texts.

1. A level English Literature
Why study for an A Level in
English Literature?

2. Why study for an A Level in English
Literature?
• It is challenging and fun!
• It is one of the most respected A levels.
• It is recognised as one of the most effective A
levels in preparing students for university.
• It is recognised as one of the most effective A
levels in preparing you for a career in business
and many of the professions.

3. Here are some comments from current
A level English Literature students
I love studying English Literature at A level
because…
• It makes me think in creative ways.
• Analysing texts in class inspires and change my
way of thinking as an aspiring female writer.
• It changes my views on society, ways of living
and life in general.
• It cover so many different areas, feeding into
your studies in other subjects.
• It feeds your creativity.

4. Here are some comments from current
A level English Literature students
You should study English Literature at A level
because…
• It makes you more analytical.
• You can understand different styles of writing
from different historical periods.
• You can learn to explore different critical
perspectives such as feminism and Marxism.
• It improves you literary skills which you can use
across all other subjects.
• It prepares you for university.

5. Here are some comments from some slightly older A
level English Literature students…. Your teachers!
You should do English Literature at A level
because….
• It is an opportunity to discuss great poetry.
• You will learn how to write at length.
• It teaches you to think!
• It prepares you for life and helps you to think
critically about the world.
• You can explore different cultures and ways of
thinking across different times.
• You learn to think and work independently.

6. Here are some comments from some slightly older A
level English Literature students…. Your teachers!
I loved studying English Literature A level because…
• Of the breadth and depth of the texts, stories and
ideas I discovered.
• The discussion of ideas in a more interactive way
• Different approach to GCSEs.
• Challenging texts which you could study in depth.
• I loved relating texts to social and political issues.
• It helped with every other subject.
• I could talk and talk and talk about what I had read
and what I thought.

7. Are you suitable for the course?
• Do you like to analyse texts?
• Do you enjoy reading?
• Do you like contributing to discussions?
• Can you read independently?

8. The A Level English Literature
qualification is based on:
Exams which includes
questions on poetry and
prose texts 1800 to 1945

9. The A Level English
Literature qualification is
based on:
Coursework consisting of a piece of
close, critical analysis of a small
section of text
Coursework consisting of an essay on
linked texts post 1900

10. What kind of texts will you be
studying?