English literature involves exploring some of the most influential poems, novels and plays that have shaped, and continue to shape, the world we live in. If you are interested in the big ideas which have forged who we are as thinking individuals and have an ear for language and the way words create music and light, then English literature is the subject for you.
Over two years, you will hone your close reading skills and your ability to analyse and argue, both in speech and in writing. You will become a better thinker, a better communicator, and a better writer.
English literature is a stimulating, well-respected (and facilitating) university subject and is essential for a number of careers such as law, media, the performing arts and business. Indeed, if you want to read law then English literature is the most important subject to study.
In the Lower Sixth, you will study an exciting range of stimulating modern poetry as well as two prose texts: Heart of Darkness and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. In addition, you will explore one modern play, Tennessee Williams’ classic tale of the American Deep South, A Streetcar Named Desire.
In the Upper Sixth, you will study Hamlet, arguably Shakespeare’s finest play, as well as an anthology of poetry from the modernist period – with featured poets including Robert Frost, T S Eliot, and E E Cummings.
Exam board: Edexcel
Course name: A Level English Literature
Beyond the curriculum
In addition to the texts studied as part of the course, the English department also encourages wider reading through lunchtime discussion groups. The aim here is to cover a range of texts – from medieval to modern day – in an informal setting to inspire pupils to extend their reading and their love of literature.
