English Literature in
the Sixth Form

The Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced GCE in English Literature aim to develop students’ interest in, and enjoyment of, literature and literary studies, providing them with the opportunity to:

  • read widely and independently
  • respond and engage creatively with a substantial body of texts
  • develop skills of literary analysis
  • apply their knowledge of evaluation in speech and writing
  • explore the contexts and varied interpretations of the texts
  • deepen their understanding of the changing traditions of literature.

Course Requirements

Grade B and above in GCSE/IGCSE/O Level English. An interest in reading and discussing literary texts, and responding to them in writing.

Course Description and method of assessment

AS   A2
Unit 1

Prose and poetry, including texts from 1800 to 1945

Texts:

  • Poetry, from Blake to Heaney
  • Howards End, E.M. Forster
  • Remains of the Day, Kazuo Ishiguro

Assessment:

  • External Examination: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • 60% of the total AS marks
Unit 2

Shakespeare and drama, including plays from 1300 to 1800

Texts

  • Hamlet
  • Othello

Assessment

  • Internally assessed
  • 40% of the total AS marks
  Unit 3

Prose and poetry, including texts published after 1990

Texts:

  • Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, Louis De Bernieres
  • Tess of the D’Urbervilles, Thomas Hardy
  • Metaphysical Poetry

Assessment:

  • External examination: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • 60% of the total A2 marks
Unit 4

Poetry, prose or drama for independent study

Texts:

  • A Streetcar Named Desire, Tennessee Williams
  • Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Tennessee Williams

Assessment

  • Internally assessed
  • 40% of the total A2 marks