English Literature A encourages students to explore the relationships

that exist between texts and the contexts within which they are written, received, and understood. Studying texts within a shared context enables students to investigate and connect them, drawing out patterns of similarity and difference using a variety of reading strategies and perspectives.

Study of three texts: one poetry and one prose text, of which one must be written pre-1900, and one Shakespeare play. Examination will include two unseen poems.

Assessed

·       Written exam: 3 hours

·       open book in Section C only

·       75 marks

·       40% of A-level

Questions

Section A: Shakespeare: one passage-based question with linked essay

–        OTHELLO

Section B: Unseen poetry: compulsory essay question on two unseen poems

Section C: Comparing texts: one essay question linking two texts

–        Anthology of Love Poetry through the Ages: Pre-1900

–        F. Scott Fitzgerald – The Great Gatsby

Paper Two: Texts in shared contexts

OPTION B:

Modern times: literature from 1945 to the present day.

Examination will include an unseen prose extract

Assessed

·       Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes

·       open book

·       75 marks

·       40% of A-level

Questions

Section A: Set texts. One essay question on set text

Study at least ONE of three texts:

–        Poetry: Carol Ann Duffy – Feminine Gospel (post 2000)

Section B: Contextual linking

·       one compulsory question on an unseen extract

·       one essay question linking two texts

–        Drama: Tennessee Williams – A Streetcar Named Desire

–        Prose: Margaret Atwood – The Handmaid’s Tale

Non-exam assessment (NEA): Independent critical study: texts across time

·       Comparative critical study of two texts, at least one of which must have been written pre-1900

·       One extended essay (2500 words) and a bibliography

Assessed

·       50 marks

·       20% of A-level

·       assessed by teachers

·       moderated by AQA

1. Regular theatre trips to a range of productions
2. Creative writing workshop
3. University taster days
4. Additional programme of lectures to support the unseen paper