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Study some of the most influential works ever written
Study some of the most influential works ever written
Study some of the most influential works ever written
A Level English Literature requires you to achieve at least the minimum entry requirements for your chosen pathway plus a grade 5 or higher in GCSE English Language. The minimum entry requirements will be discussed at open events and at your college interview.
Readers! This A Level is all about books: reading books, analysing books, investigating and considering the contexts of books, comparing books, interpreting books . . . so a love of literature and a willingness to read beyond your usual preferences is essential.
You will study novels, plays and poetry from a range of genres and historical periods, and learn how to write essays about these texts in a sophisticated academic style.
A Level English Literature works well with other essay writing subjects such as History and Law, and also other creative subjects such as Drama and Theatre Studies.
There are 2 examined units.
Shakespeare (Measure for Measure)
Drama and poetry pre-1900 (A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen and poetry by Christina Rossetti)
This is a 2 hours 30 minutes written exam.
For Shakespeare, you will be doing a close analysis of Shakespeare’s use of language and dramatic effects and exploring different interpretations of the play across time. For Ibsen and Rossetti, you will be comparing the texts, with a close focus on the significance and influence of the late 19th century context.
Close reading in chosen topicarea (Dystopia)
Comparative and contextual study from chosen topicarea (Brave New World by Aldous Huxley and The Handmaid's Tale by MargaretAtwood)
This is a 2 hours 30 minutes written exam.
You will analyse an unseen extract of Dystopian literature, and then compare the two set novels, focusing on the significance and influence of various contextual factors including technology and industrialisation, eugenicsand feminism.
Literature post-1900 (Students choose 3 texts from a choice of 50, provided by us.)
You will write a 1000 word essay analysing a poem of your choice from a given collection, or write a poem of your own in the style of that poet, plus an analytical commentary. You will also write a 2000 word essay comparing a novel and play of your choice from a given list, with a connecting theme or concern.
As this is a course for people who love reading and want to read much more widely, you can begin on this path by reading as much good quality literature as you can. Aim to familiarise yourself with a range of writing from all three genres: prose (novels, short stories, memoirs etc.), poetry and drama, from a variety of historical periods.
Reading other works by the authors of the set texts (or other authors like them) is very useful, so why not read some other dystopian fiction, or some work by modern poets? Or you could dip into the exciting world of Shakespeare.
Make notes about the texts you read and the ways in which authors present characters and themes. Try to begin making links between texts and considering how different works interconnect.
Other tips to help you prepare:
Use your spare time to watch films or TV dramatisations of literary works.
Join your local library, if you are not already a member, and see what it has to offer.
Go to the theatre to see plays.
Take advantage of the Hull and Beverley Literature Festivals.
Talk to friends and relatives about books they like – and books you like.
Immerse yourself in literature as much as you can before you start the course!
Wyke Sixth Form College hold train to teach information events which offer you a great insight into this course. If you are interested in attending one of these events, please complete this form and we will be in contact with the key information.
Please note that the applications for this course can be submitted by following the ‘Apply Now’ button on this page. Applications are made through the University of Huddersfield rather than Wyke Sixth Form College. We look forward to meeting with you.
English Literature A Level is an excellent qualification from which to progress to a wide variety of HE courses and careers and careers, as it enhances spoken and written communication skills as well as developing other generic skills such as analytical reading and informed evaluation.
At Wyke Start, our 2-day taster event in July, each of your subjects will set you some work to complete to help prepare you for the course. The work is available to download on https://www.wyke.ac.uk/wyke-start-summer-work
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Wyke Literature Society is a great enrichment if you have a love of or interest in literature and would like to broaden your wider reading. Members take turns delivering sessions on books, writers and literary ideas and movements; topics covered last year included writers of colour and BookTok, and we were introduced to writers from James Baldwin to Elizabeth Gaskell! There is no pressure to present, and some members come simply to listen and learn, but the opportunity to present does give excellent practice for university.
