Course at a glance
Examining Board: Edexcel
Next Examination Period: May / June 2024/25
Exam Specification Code: 9ET0
Coursework Element: Yes
Practical Element: No
Course Fee Includes: Online course materials and tutor support. Additional materials available at extra cost.
Fast Track Option: Fast Track English Literature A Level
Payment Options: Interest free instalment plans available
Edexcel A Levels are available for study anywhere in the world. Examinations can be taken at any registered examination centre in the world. It is recommended students check with examining centres that the chosen exam is available.
Introduction
As readers and writers, you will engage with wider critical contexts to support your reading of literary texts. You will also conduct independent research in order to complete your own extended literary study.
- AO1 Articulate informed personal and creative responses to literary texts, using associated concepts and terminology, and coherent, accurate written expression.
- AO2 Analyse ways in which meanings are shaped in literary texts.
- AO3 Demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of the contexts in which literary texts are written and received.
- AO4 Explore connections across literary texts.
- AO5 Explore literary texts informed by different interpretations.
A-Level English Literature Entry Requirements
Although the A-Level English Literature programmes build on the course content of GCSE, it is not necessary to have this qualification before undertaking an A-Level. However, in order to meet the demands of the course, it is recommended that candidates have literacy and communication skills equivalent to C or higher at GCSE. Please note that full tutor support is still provided throughout your course duration.
All students must be 16 years of age or above.
A-Level English Literature Course Duration
2 years.
Study Hours Required
Approximately 350 hours.
Awarding Body
Edexcel A Levels are available for study anywhere in the world. Examinations can be taken at any registered examination centre in the world. It is recommended students check with examining centres that the chosen exam is available.
Examination Information
Students are required to arrange and pay for their A-Level English Literature examinations and manage the course work element if the subject requires this. Students must check the relevant examination board website for further information and final examination sitting dates for the specification.
All examinations are held during the May / June exam period of every year.
You can find further information on exam centres from the following link: https://www.oxfordcollege.ac/examination-centres/
A-Level English Literature Course Content
A-Level English Literature Knowledge and Understanding:
The English Literature specification requires you to undertake a varied programme of study so you can show knowledge and understanding of:
- How writers in various genres use form to shape meaning and evoke responses in readers and audience.
- The contexts in which texts have been produced and received and understanding of how these contexts influence meaning.
- How to make connections and explore relationships between a range of literary texts.
- How to read and experience texts critically and creatively.
- Evaluate texts, drawing on understanding of interpretations presented by different readers such as literary critics.
- How attitudes and values are expressed in texts.
- Communicate fluently, accurately and effectively.
- Use critical concepts and terminology with discrimination.
There is a coursework element as part of the award, which expects distance learning students to evaluate existing texts linked by genre or theme, demonstrating knowledge and understanding of English Literature.
Your assessed work will be marked and moderated by an independent coursework marker at the centre where you sit your examinations. There may be an additional fee for this marking. All distance learning students should download the Private Candidate Handbook from Edexcel’s website which gives you guidance on finding an examination centre and registering. Likewise, International students need to download the specific handbook for them, which will give alternative examination arrangements.
A Level English Literature: Assessment Objectives and Weightings
The whole course combines a number of learning outcomes. The assessment objectives are weighted as follows: A Level Weighting (%)
- AO1 Articulate informed personal and creative responses to literary texts, using associated concepts and terminology, and coherent, accurate written expression. 26.7
- AO2 Analyse ways in which meanings are shaped in literary texts 26.7
- AO3 Demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of the contexts in which literary texts are written and received 21.9
- AO4 Explore connections across literary texts 14
- AO5 Explore literary texts informed by different interpretations 11
Additional Information:
Please find below the Set Texts required for the course:
Donne, J. (ed. Illona Bell) Selected Poems. Penguin Classics: London, 2013. ISBN-13: 978-0140424409.
Faulks, S. Birdsong. Vintage: London, 2014. ISBN-13: 978-1784700034.
Hosseini, K. The Kite Runner. Bloomsbury: London, 2014. ISBN-13: 978-1408824856.
James, H. What Maisie Knew. Wordsworth: London, 2002. ISBN-13: 978-1840224122.
Shakespeare, W. King Lear. Wordsworth: London, 2000. ISBN-13: 978-1853260957.
Walker, A. The Color Purple. W&N: London, 2014. ISBN-13: 978-1780228716.
Webster, J. The Duchess of Malfi. Longman: London, 2004. ISBN-13: 978-0582817791.
Students will also study poems from a range of poets published since 2000. These are available in the poetry collection listed below:
Poems of the Decade: An Anthology of the Forward Books of Poetry ISBN-13: 978-0571325405.
Progression
Our A-Level English Literature programmes are eligible for UCAS points, making them a great choice for students aiming to progress to University. UCAS points are awarded according to the grade earned, please see below for details.
A levels are also widely recognised by employers and are useful for students looking to progress their careers or meet requirements for promotion.
UCAS Points Table
A* = 56
A = 48
B = 40
C = 32
D = 24
E = 16