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English Literature AS/A2
The study of English Literature at AS and A level is both challenging and immensely rewarding. For
students who enjoy reading, analysing and exploring literary texts this subject provides the
opportunity to develop the necessary skills to communicate understanding and insight in a range of
texts and to make meaningful connections between them. The course encourages students to develop
interest in and enjoyment of English Literature, through reading widely, critically and independently,
across centuries, genre and gender.
At the beginning of the course students are invited to question what is meant by „Literature‟ and
consider how we decide what is and is not worthy of study. The course begins by looking at defining
moments in our literary heritage and students start to understand the importance of the historical and
social context in which texts are both written and received. Students develop their ability to respond
with knowledge and understanding to literary texts of different types and periods and learn to evaluate
the effect of context.
Through extensive reading and class discussion students hone their ability to confidently articulate
independent opinions and judgements. Through exploration of the interpretations of literary texts by
other readers and writers, as well as their peers, they broaden their own understanding of texts and
gain the confidence to argue a point of view with clarity and self-assurance. Students move towards
articulating a mature understanding of the significance of differing critical positions and learn to make
sophisticated judgements based upon informed consideration of various possibilities.
AS English Literature
At AS level students will explore „The Struggle for Identity in Modern Literature‟. Two novels, two
drama texts and a wide range of poetry, form the basis of the wider reading for coursework and the
context question part of the examination, whilst the study of Carol Ann Duffy‟s „The World‟s Wife‟
provides the close reading study for the examination. Students are expected to read independently;
contribute to class discussions and develop their ability to write in a focused, articulate manner with a
clear sense of argument and purpose.
Unit 1: Texts in Context
60% of AS, 30% of A level
2 hour written examination (open book) – 90 marks
Unit 2: Creative Study
40% of AS, 20% of A level
Coursework – 60 marks
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