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.
Awarded By:
Key Facts
Programme Costs:
The fees for this course are currently being confirmed.
Please contact Student Recruitment for more information.
Level:
3
Awarding Body:
Assessment & Qualifications Alliance (AQA)
Course Code:
- 24/25A1QELT
Mode of Attendance:
- Full Time
Course Duration:
2 Years
Dates:
- September 2024
CourseContent
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.
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.
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.
Assessment
Methods
One x 3 hour exam - 40%
One x 2.5 hour exam - 40%
Coursework:
extended essay (2500 words) - 20%
Progression
Opportunities
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.
FAQs
WHAT IS THE A2 COURSEWORK BASED ON?
For the NEA (Non-Examined Assessment) you select 2 academically suitable texts (no young adult literature for example, and no GCSE texts or AQA A-level exam texts - your teacher will provide a list of the latter so you can avoid them).
At least one of the texts must have been written pre-1900. You can choose a novel, play or collection of poetry. If both texts are pre-1900, then they should have been published at least 50 years apart - the rubric states 'Texts Across Time'. You then write a 2500 word essay + a bibliography. It is marked by your teacher then sent to AQA for moderation. It makes up 20% of your final grade.
DO YOU OFFER THE EXTENDED PROJECT QUALIFICATION (EPQ)?
- Yes, but only to Year 2 students who have demonstrated in Year 1 that they have the academic ability to cope with this extra research project.
HOW MANY A LEVEL SUBJECTS DO I NEED TO TAKE?
- You will need to choose three subjects minimum with a maximum of 4. See page 5 for more details on subject choices.
I’M INTERESTED IN A LEVELS BUT I’M NOT SURE WHICH ONES
- That’s okay! We know that deciding on A Levels can be a long process and
that you can change your mind—a lot.
When you initially apply, we’ll ask you for your options, but you’re not tied down to these subjects. We’ll confirm your final choices at a later date.
DO I HAVE TO STUDY THE SUBJECT I WANT TO STUDY AT UNIVERSITY AS AN A
LEVEL?
- Not always; it depends on your chosen university course. Subjects like Medicine and Architecture have very specific entry requirements, whereas you can study Psychology or Law at university without having studied them at A Level. Check university entry requirements to see if they are asking for specific subjects.
ARE A LEVELS THE ONLY ROUTE INTO UNIVERSITY?
- No. We also offer Level 3 BTEC Extended Diplomas, which are the equivalent to three A Levels and many universities accept them as an alternative.
CAN I STUDY 3 A LEVELS AND BE A PART OF THE ACADEMY OF SPORT PROGRAMME?
- Yes. Visit the Academy of Sport pages for more information.
CAN I STUDY A DIPLOMA IN SPORT AND ONE A LEVEL?
- Yes, but it is only recommended for high-performing students due to the demands that both courses will place on timetable and ability. We will need to ensure that your combination is suitable for future progression and doesn’t clash on the timetable.
Disclaimer
Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information contained on this website is correct, the College accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Please note that details are subject to change without notice with regard to the provision of courses, course times and dates and the fees and charges levied.