GCE English Literature

Why English Literature?

The opportunities for students of English Literature are wide ranging. AGCE Courses in English Literature complement a number of other Sixth Form courses and are designed to encourage the ability to communicate, read widely, and develop advanced, detailed research skills within a wide field of literary studies.

All courses offered at Sandwell Academy are designed to provide academic and vocational experiences. They will prepare students for their choice of career in both the world of work and Higher Education.

Course Type: A Level
Exam Board: OCR
Specific Entry Requirements:
Grade 6 in GCSE English Literature. (Preferably a Grade 6 in both English Language and English Literature).
Course Assessment:
Students will take 1 examination (40%), complete a coursework unit (40%) and a Comparative essay (20%).
Contact Curriculum Leader for more information:
Mr Sturley
Download Course Leaflet
Qualifications in English Literature are classic, and are acceptable as an entry to many different careers. These may include::
Business Administration, Marketing, Journalism/Media, Law, Education, Performing Arts, Health and Social Care, Leisure, Tourism

Course Outline

 

You will study two components as follows:

COMPONENT 01
Shakespeare
Poetry pre-1900 Examination Unit (50%)

In this unit you will demonstrate your understanding of a whole Shakespeare play, exploring the critical analysis of Shakespeare's language and also the dramatic effects. As part of the component you will also undertake critical analysis of poetry and analyse a set collection from a specific time period, focusing on narrative methods, effects and links to other readers' interpretations. This unit builds on literary skills developed at GCSE by continuing with familiar contexts, and extends understanding and analytical techniques, in preparation for Year 2.

COMPONENT 02
Drama post-1900
Prose post-1900 Examination Unit (50%)

In this unit you will demonstrate your understanding of a whole play, exploring the critical analysis of language and the play's dramatic effects. You will also study a text linked to one specified genre, giving the opportunity to explore texts informed by other readers' interpretations, which opens up perceptions on the role of author and reader. As an Year 1 Level student, you will also be required to study around the subject area, exploring the time frame in which the texts were written and exploring themes that feature within the texts themselves.

Year 2

You will study three components as follows:

COMPONENT 1 Coursework Unit (40%)
Shakespeare
Drama & Poetry pre-1900

As part of this unit you will be given the opportunity to return to the study of Shakespeare with more advanced literary skills. You will also be able to explore connections and comparisons between literary texts, referring to one drama and one poetry text from the period. This encourages the development of further literary understanding and evaluation.

COMPONENT 2 Examination Unit (40%)
Close reading in chosen area
Comparative and contextual study from chosen topic area

As part of this unit you will be given the opportunity to study a particular genre. You will study two texts each with the same theme, exploring their connections. You will also be required to analyse an unseen text that is the same genre. This unit allows you to fully develop research skills and synthesise your knowledge and understanding in an extended individual study of literary texts across the gothic genres. You will also be given the opportunity to conduct study and research over a sustained period of time and around the gothic genre: good preparation for independent study at university level.

COMPONENT 3
Re-creative writing piece with commentary Coursework Unit (20%)
Comparative essay

Learners are required to study three literary texts (one text for Task 1 and two texts for Task 2). The three texts must include one prose text, one poetry text and one drama text, all of which must have been first published or performed in 1900 or later. At least one of these texts must have been first published or performed in 2000 or later. You will be required to explore the contexts of the texts and others' interpretations of them. You will also be required to explore connections across the texts, and to identify and consider how values are expressed in texts.

Important Documents

Questions or Queries?

Should you have any queries or comments please contact Miss Duncombe (Sixth Form Admissions Officer) by either:

Email: sixthformadmissions@sandwellacademy.com

Or by post:

Sixth Form Admissions Officer,
Sandwell Academy,
Halfords Lane,
West Bromwich,
West Midlands,
B71 4LG.

Please ensure that the correct postage is paid for the size of envelope used.