English Literature A Level

The Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in English Literature consists of three examination papers and one coursework component. The qualification requires the study of eight literary texts plus unseen poetry. You will broaden and develop your intellectual skills in this subject; you will learn how to communicate clearly and write fluently, and you will discuss and read a variety of texts, covering drama, prose and poetry. You will be encouraged to participate in active debate about the texts and to develop an appreciation of alternative critical views

Component 1- Drama
Open book examination, lasting 2 hours and 15 minutes (30%)
You will study one Shakespeare tragedy, Othello, and one other drama, 'A Street Car Named Desire'.

Component 2- Prose
Open book examination, lasting 1 hour (20%)
Theme: Science and Society.
You will study two prose texts from a chosen theme and answer one comparitive essay question from a choice of two. This year you will explore the thematic elements of Science and Society in 'Frankenstein' and 'The Handmaid's Tale'.

Component 3- Poetry
Open book examination, lasting 2 hours and 15 minutes (30%)
You will study poetic form, meaning and language from a selection of post-2000 poetry and a specified range of poetry from a literary period. Selection of Poetry from Poems of The Decade:

• An Anthology of the Forward Books of Poetry (2002-2011).
• The Victorians: Christina Rossetti

Coursework Component: Extended Comparative essay (20%). This is an internally assessed comparative essay referring to two texts - for example, 'The Kite Runner' and 'Nineteen Eighty-Four'. The total word count is 2500-3000 words.

English Literature remains a very popular A Level subject and leads into a wide variety of degree courses at university. Careers in journalism, public relations and marketing are some of the future career options.