English Literature
The study of English Literature allows students to build analytical and communication skills, explore empathy and has various cross-curricular links.
Why study English Literature?
English Literature is a facilitating subject, and recent English Literature students at Howell’s have gone on to study fields such as Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry, Classics, Archaeology, Liberal Arts, and Marketing at top universities, including Durham, Cambridge, St Andrews, Queen Mary University of London, Sapienza University of Rome, and Harvard.
What skills do you develop?
- Strong communication (written & verbal)
- Critical thinking
- Analysis
- Interpretation
- Research
- Empathy
- Creativity
What careers can you pursue?
- Literature roles
- Creative Writing
- Historian
- Journalism
- Law
- Media
- Advertising
- Teaching
- Arts & Culture roles
AS & A level components
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Component 1: 50%
- Study of two texts: one Shakespeare play (Othello) and the AQA Anthology of pre-1900 love poetry through the ages.
Component 2: 50%
- Study of two prose texts (The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier) and unseen prose extracts.
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Component 1: Written Examination 3 hours 40%
- Study of three texts: the AQA Anthology of pre-1900 love poetry through the ages and one prose text (The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier and one Shakespeare play Othello.
- Examination will include two unseen poems.
Component 2: Written Examination 2 hours 30 minutes 40%
- Study of three texts: one prose, one poetry, and one drama, of which one must be written post-2000 (set texts TBC). The examination will include an unseen extract.
Non-examination assessment – 20%
- Independent critical study: texts across time. A comparative critical study of two texts, at least one of which must have been written pre-1900.
- One extended essay (2,500 words) and a bibliography.
These are the texts currently taught but they may be subject to change.
Subject FAQ’s
Which examination board?
AQA English Literature Specification A
Does the AS count towards the A level or is it a standalone qualification?
The AS is a standalone qualification. It does not count towards the full A level.
You can opt into the AS qualification if you choose to drop this subject at the end of Year 12.
How will you be assessed?
At AS two examinations, both 1 hour, 30 minutes.
At A level two examinations one of 3 hours, the other of 2 hours 30 minutes, plus one non-examination assessment essay on two texts of your own choice.
