St Edward's Church of England Academy

English Literature


English Literature

Exam Type:Linear 2 year A-Level
Exam Board:OCR

About the Course

During the course, students will need to communicate effectively, research information from a variety of sources and express themselves, giving clear opinions about texts, supported with well-developed arguments. You will read a range of prose, drama and poetry as well as critical work.

Success at A-Level is dependent on you sustaining a wide range of personal reading.

It is expected that students have achieved a Grade 7 in GCSE English Literature and a Grade 6 in GCSE English Language as this course builds on some of the knowledge and understanding of GCSE English Literature.  You must be a strong reader and have an interest in history.

The aims of the course are to encourage learners to develop their interest in and enjoyment of literature and literary studies as they:

  • learn to articulate creative, informed and relevant responses to literary texts, using appropriate terminology and concepts, and coherent, accurate written expression
  • demonstrate a detailed critical understanding in analysing the ways in which structure, form and language shape meanings in literary texts
  • explore connections and comparisons between different literary texts, informed by interpretations of other readers demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of the contexts in which literary texts are written and received.

The specification is a mixture of written exams and coursework. The examination will involve studying the following:

Exam: 80%

  • Exam One: Drama and poetry pre-1900
  • Exam Two: Comparative and Contextual Study

Course work: 20%

  • The non-exam assessment component requires candidates to study three texts from across the genres of poetry, drama and prose.
  • Task one offers a choice between a critical piece or a recreative piece with a commentary and task two is a ‘linked texts’ essay focusing on connections between two texts.

Literature is welcomed as a qualification for many careers and provides a wide range of opportunities for courses in the Arts, Humanities, Media and Communication as well as teaching, law and journalism.

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