English A-Level courses which are very popular can be split into English Language (looking in detail at the structure of language) and English Literature, looking in detail at texts form books, plays and poetry. Both are useful for all jobs as they help develop important analysis and written communication skills. Most employers want people with good English skills. If you enjoy English you could use your creative and analytical skills to work in a huge range of different career areas. If you are interested in the Arts and like reading, media, the theatre or events, there are many opportunities in broadcasting, publishing and arts management. If you prefer debating and formulating persuasive arguments you may enjoy law, politics and government or business roles. English combines well with all subjects.
The A-Level in English Literature invites you to explore a captivating world of literature, where you will dive into powerful stories, vivid characters, and timeless themes that will challenge, inspire, and expand your perspective. Curated by expert teachers, this course features a selection of classic and contemporary works that span centuries and genres, giving you a deep and rich understanding of literature’s role in reflecting and shaping society.
In this course, you will encounter the powerful words of Shakespeare, studying one of his iconic plays and discovering why his work still resonates today. You will immerse yourself in the passionate and revolutionary voices of the Romantic poets, exploring their vision of the world and how they broke conventions to reveal new insights into human nature. Alongside this, you will journey through two powerful novels: Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë, with its intense exploration of love and revenge, and A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, a deeply moving story set against the backdrop of modern-day Afghanistan. These texts allow you to explore universal themes of love, loss, resilience, and transformation.
In addition, you will engage with The Forward Book of Modern Poetry, an anthology that highlights contemporary voices, showing you how poets today respond to our ever-changing world. Through these diverse texts, you’ll build advanced analytical skills, exploring themes, structure, language, and context, while forming your own interpretations and responses.
The course is designed to build on the skills you developed at GCSE, challenging you to think critically and express your ideas with clarity and confidence. At the end of Year 12, you will have an internal assessment to track your progress, and at the end of the two-year course, there will be three final exams. Additionally, you will complete a Non-Examination Assessment (NEA) making up 20% of your final grade.
This A-Level in English Literature is an invitation to think deeply, to question, and to connect with voices across time and place. Perfect for anyone who loves stories, language, and ideas, this course opens doors to a wide range of careers in media, education, law, journalism, and beyond.
