Course overview and specification

An English Literature qualification will ensure you develop a range of flexible skills. You will learn to be a skilled essay writer, speaker, researcher, creative thinker and analyst. 

Assessment Objectives

AO1-  KEY TERMS / WRITTEN ACCURACY: Articulate informed, personal and creative responses to literary texts, using associated concepts and terminology, and coherent, accurate written expression 26.7%  

AO2 –WRITER’S CRAFT: Analyse ways in which meanings are shaped in literary texts 26.7%   

AO3 –CONTEXT: Demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of the context in which literary texts are written and received. 21.9 % 

AO4 – COMPARISON: Explore connections across literary texts 14%  

AO5 –CRITICAL THEORY: Explore literary texts informed by different interpretations 11% 

Coursework Overview

Coursework (20% of total qualification) 

Compare two World War One texts, such as, Regeneration by Pat Barker with Journey’s End by R.C. Sheriff. Set your own focus, in consultation with your teacher. 

Component 1: Drama (30% of total qualification) 

• Hamlet by William Shakespeare and a selection of critical essays exploring aspects of this play. 

• A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams 

Assessment: Written examination – lasting 2 hours and 15 minutes (Section A: Shakespeare / Section B: Other drama)  

Component 2: Prose (20% of total qualification) 

• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley 

• The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Attwood 

Assessment: Written examination – lasting 1 hour and 15 minutes (answer one comparative question from a choice of two on the studied theme: Science and Society) 

Component 3: Poetry (30% of total qualification) 

• Poems of the Decade (anthology of contemporary poetry) 

• Poetry of John Keats (anthology of his poetry) 

Assessment:  Section A: Compare a previously unseen poem with named poem from a collection you have already studied. Section B: Answer a question on the poet who you have already studied.