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Course Overview

A Level English Literature is an intellectually rich and engaging subject that explores how writers across history have captured the complexities of human experience through storytelling. At Sixth Form College, students follow the OCR H472 specification, which encourages deep reading, critical thinking, and sophisticated writing. 

Through the study of a diverse range of texts, students examine powerful themes such as society, identity, power, morality, and love. The course develops analytical skills, the ability to construct compelling arguments, and fosters lively discussion around meaning, context, and interpretation. Studying English Literature promotes empathy, intellectual curiosity, and a deeper understanding of the world, making it a valuable and enriching subject. 

ASSESSMENT

  • Exams: 80%
  • Coursework: 20%
  • Awarding Body: OCR

COURSE CONTENT

Our chosen texts span different time periods and genres, offering students a rich literary experience: 

  • ‘The Great Gatsby’ and ‘The Grapes of Wrath’ (American Literature): Two iconic novels that examine the American Dream, social inequality, and the struggle for identity in the 20th century. 
  • ‘Hamlet’ by William Shakespeare: A timeless tragedy exploring madness, revenge, and moral ambiguity. 
  • ‘A Doll’s House’ by Henrik Ibsen: A ground-breaking 19th-century play that questions gender roles and societal expectations. 
  • Poetry of Samuel Taylor Coleridge: Lyrical and imaginative, his poems delve into the sublime, the supernatural, and the power of the mind. 

As part of the A Level qualification, students undertake coursework. At Sixth Form College, students write two NEA essays: 

  • A comparative essay on ‘The History Boys’ by Alan Bennett and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark, focusing on issues such as education, power, danger and personal freedom. 
  • An analysis of selected poems by W. H. Auden, exploring his use of form, voice, language and structure. 

BEGIN – IS THIS COURSE RIGHT FOR ME?

If you enjoy reading, thinking deeply about characters and themes, and exploring how stories reflect the world around us, English Literature could be the perfect subject for you! Students who thrive on this course are curious about people and ideas, enjoy discussing different interpretations and have an interest in history, society, and culture. You don’t need to have read all the classics; you just an open mind, a willingness to explore challenging texts, and the confidence to share your own perspective. 

BELONG – WHY STUDY THIS WITH US?

At Sixth Form College, our passionate and experienced teachers will support and challenge you to become a thoughtful and confident literary scholar. Whatever you are aspiring to do, English Literature is a subject that will stay with you for life. 

BEYOND – WHERE CAN THIS COURSE TAKE ME?

Studying English Literature equips you with highly transferable skills, such as critical thinking, argument construction, independent research, and confident communication. It’s a valued subject for university admissions and supports careers in: 

  • Media, Journalism and Publishing: Digital copywriter, Editorial assistant, Journalism, Magazine journalist, Newspaper journalist, Publishing, Publishing copy-editor/proof-reader, Web content manager and Writer.  
  • Education and Academia: Education consultant, English as a foreign language teacher, Learning mentor, Primary school teacher, Private tutor and Secondary school teacher. 
  • Law, Politics and Public Sector: Law, Politics, Public relations officer, Information officer and Records manager. 
  • Creative Industries and Communications: Advertising copywriter, Arts administrator, Media researcher, Social media manager, Marketing executive and PPC (Pay-Per-Click) specialist. 
  • Library, Heritage and Archival Work: Archivist and Lexicographer. 

If you are unsure what course you think you should choose or what career you would like to aspire towards then contact Admissions:

01782 854221
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