A Level

Exam Board OCR

Course H472

Name of lead teacher: Ms Daltrey-Hurt

As a lasting form of creative expression, English Literature offers a unique opportunity to explore the cultures and beliefs of others from the inside looking out. It also encourages us to constantly question accepted norms, develop empathy for others and to learn from the insight of others to better understand ourselves. Reading and writing skills are enhanced and developed as we explore challenging and stimulating texts.

Specific requirements

Grade 6 in either English Language or English Literature

What will I study?

Areas of study:

  • Shakespeare - Hamlet
  • Contextual and comparative study:
    • Dracula, Bram Stoker
    • The Bloody Chamber, Angela Carter
  • Drama and Poetry pre-1900:
    • The Merchant's Tale, Chaucer
    • A Doll's House, Henrik Ibsen
  • NEA:
    • A Streetcar Named Desire, Tennessee Williams

Assessment schedule:

  • Paper 1: 40%
  • Paper 2: 40%
  • NEA: 20%

Where does it lead?

English Literature is a ‘facilitating’ subject, highly valued by Russell Group Universities. It teaches critical thinking and analytical skills, as well as broadening our understanding of history, culture and ideas. Possible careers/ areas of study:

  • Journalism
  • Most academic subjects at higher level
  • Law
  • Teaching
  • Copywriting
  • Advertising

Wider Reading

  • Frankenstein, Mary Shelley
  • Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte
  • The Castle of Ontranto, Horace Walpole
  • The poetry of Edgar Allen Poe
  • The Turn of the Screw, Henry James
  • The Gothic: A Very Short Introduction, Nick Groom
  • Beginning Theory, Peter Barry
  • This is Shakespeare, Emma Smith

Useful Websites and Blogs:

https://www.bl.uk/romantics-and-victorians/themes/the-gothic

https://www.folger.edu/explore/shakespeares-works/hamlet/read/