What are lessons like in this subject?
You always know when English Literature lessons are happening because our classrooms are filled with enthusiasm and passion for the written word. Students who choose this subject can expect to be encouraged to share their love for literature by exploring a wide range of texts, including prose, poetry and drama. You will engage in spirited discussions, reflecting on a wide range of different perspectives and write thoughtful essays about the writer’s craft, commenting on how ideas can be shaped by the contexts in which they are written. Amongst the many enrichment opportunities that we offer, you can join a book club, attend subject specialist seminars and benefit from our close links to a range of universities, who are able to offer students an invaluable insight into the options available to them after college.
What will I study?
You will engage critically and creatively with a substantial body of texts and ways of responding to them, including:
- Othello by William Shakespeare.
- A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams.
- Frankenstein by Mary Shelley.
- The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood.
- An anthology of modern poetry to compare with unseen poetry.
- A collection of poems by John Keats.
The course is assessed through the combination of three exam papers and coursework. The coursework requires you to write an extended essay of around 2500 words comparing two literary texts of your own choosing. This is worth 20% of the qualification.
My favourite aspect of studying English Literature is learning the depth of amazing ideas from enthusiastic teachers. They really know what they’re talking about and are constantly helping us improve.
Evie Wright, The Hayfield School
English Literature
Please note: Subject videos have been filmed from colleges across our Trust.