This course is intended for students who enjoy all aspects of reading
(including finding out about the often extraordinary life and times of the
writer) and debating possible meanings in texts.
You'll have the opportunity to explore a range of work, including plays,
poetry, and novels from different periods in time. The course takes a
historicist approach to literature, working with the view that each text is
influenced by the times in which it was written, and that it may be interpreted
differently according to the social contexts or beliefs of the reader.
Features & Benefits
As part of the course you will be expected to:
Read texts independently
Discuss texts in class
Learn about the contexts of your texts
Independently research critics’ views and academic essays for each of the
set texts
Develop critical thinking and form your own opinions about texts supported
by evidence and learn how to structure your essay writing to make your
arguments effective.
Teaching is mostly by open discussion. You'll spend time out of class
reading and writing about your texts.
Course Content
Year 12:
Texts in Shared Contexts: this unit covers the theme of modern times -
literature from 1945 to the present day.
You will study one novel, one collection of poetry, and one play, all
written post-1945.
You will explore literature’s engagement with some of the social,
political and literary issues which have shaped the 20th and early 21st
Centuries.
You will also prepare to analyse unseen prose.
Year 13:
Love Through The Ages: this unit covers the theme of love
through time - attitudes to all different aspects of love.
You will study one novel, an anthology of pre-1900 poetry (14 poems dating
from 1538 onwards) and a Shakespeare play.
You will also prepare to analyse unseen poetry. This unit will be assessed
by exam and is worth 40% of the A Level.
Year 13 Non-Examined Assessment (NEA/coursework):
Independent Critical Study: Texts Across Time.
You will prepare a 2500-word essay comparing an aspect of two texts of
your own choice, one of which must have been written pre-1900. This is an
opportunity to explore an area of literature that is of interest to you.
Possible themes include the Gothic, representations of gender or social class,
or satire and dystopia.
Entry Requirements
Minimum Entry Requirements: All Loughborough College
Sixth Form courses have minimum entry requirements of at least five GCSEs at
grade C/4 or above, including English Language and Maths.
Subject Specific Entry Requirements: GCSE English
Language at grade 5.
Applicants must have a keen interest in reading.
Progression
English Literature provides excellent preparation for the workplace and for
university. The analytical and communication skills you learn provide a
good basis for higher level study in a wide range of
subjects.
Why Loughborough?
94%
of learners said the College campus provides a safe environment
90%
of learners said staff valued students views and opinions about their study programme
