A-Level English Literature
- Start date(s):
- 30 Aug 2021
- Duration:
- 2 years
- Level:
- Level 3
- Course Code:
- 1031007
- Study Mode:
- FT/PT
- Attendance Type:
- Campus
- Attendance Pattern:
- Daytime
- Awarded by:
- Edexcel
- Location:
- Framwellgate Moor Campus
- Course costs:
- 16-18 - Free (UK & EEA)
19+ - £993 per year, your course may be free
(previous year's fees)
Funding
Overview
Course details may be subject to change
This challenging and enjoyable course is for those with a dedicated enthusiasm for reading and the desire to engage in the study of a range of poetry, drama and prose.
You will explore, analyse and evaluate a variety of texts and gain a deeper understanding of the history and changing traditions of literature in English. You will study texts covering prose, poetry and drama, as well as studying contrasts, connections and comparisons between different literary texts. You will become aware of the significance and influence of the contexts in which literary texts are written and understood.
Experience
New College Durham Sixth Form welcomed Norwegian students from Elvebakken School in Oslo to study A-Levels.
Our Norwegian and Sixth Form students embraced Christmas traditions during their end of term party.
Students and staff from our Sixth Form Centre celebrated a 100% pass rate in 16 subjects.
A-Level students visited Durham University as part of Welcome Week.
The Sixth Form A2 students attended the Teesside University Open Day.
Students attended the UCAS Higher Education Convention at Teesside University.
Our Sixth Form students visited Durham University to learn about the opportunities available through higher education.
12 of our AS students attended an Oxbridge student conference.
Students raise a fantastic £482.69 for Comic Relief.
Students took part in fun and interactive activities designed to inspire an interest in politics.
The college has received an impressive set of A-Level results enabling students to be accepted onto top university courses.
Twenty four students from Elvebakken College, Oslo, will be spending the following academic year studying with us.
Aims
The aim of this course is to encourage and develop your interest, enthusiasm and enjoyment of literature and literary studies. You will read a wide range of texts from diverse literary periods and different genres, studying the historical and social influences behind each selected text.
You will develop skills of critical close analysis, explore connections and comparisons between literary texts and how themes and issues are presented in different literary texts. An understanding of the significance of contexts in which texts are written and received will be developed, and the importance of the meanings made by other readers will be covered. The AS Level is assessed by examination - the full A-Level includes a 20% coursework component.
Modules
Year 1:
- Drama & Poetry - You will study contemporary poetry, all written in the last ten years and early modern drama, by exploring the play Doctor Faustus.
- Prose - This unit focuses on studying the novel, specifically Gothic fiction, focusing on Dracula and The Picture of Dorian Gray.
Year 2:
- Drama - Early Modern Drama & Shakespearean comedy; specifically, the studied material from year 1 on Doctor Faustus will be reassessed to award the full A-Level alongside an assessment focused on Shakespeare. The studied Shakespeare text is A Midsummer Night's Dream.
- Prose - This is a reassessment of the prose exam from year 1 with identical content, reassessed to award the full A-Level.
- Poetry - This unit will focus on assessing student’s understanding of poetry. This is achieved by studying Romantic poetry and the work of John Keats. Students will study a range of poems by a single author.
- Coursework - This unit focuses on two texts in comparison, where you will choose your own content and question. You can write on any canonical text of your choosing, and with tutorial support will design your own question, to produce a 2500-3000 word essay. This coursework carries 20% of the overall A-Level grade and previous text choices have included, The Handmaid’s Tale, The Bell Jar, The War of the Worlds, Brave New World, Never Let Me Go and The Road.
Time commitment
Average number of hours per week
Delivery
Day and time of study will be confirmed before the start of your course.
Teaching & assessment
You will be taught by lecturers who are specialists in their subjects. Teaching is classroom based and involves group work and individual work. Independent study is essential outside of the classroom and frequent homework will be given.
You will sit monthly in-class assessment for which you will receive extensive feedback, as well as other assessments throughout the academic year, which will help you track your progress.
Course work in year 2 will carry 20% of the overall marks. Terminal exams will be in May/June.
Maths and English
Maths and English skills are essential for the workplace and university.
Placement:
Work placements are an important part of the programme and all learners will be given assistance in finding a suitable position.
As a facilitating subject, A-Level English Literature is valued by all universities for its capacity to develop critical thinking skills, essay writing ability and independent approaches to learning and understanding.
As such, it opens up career opportunities in most fields, including, but not limited to, publishing, screen writing, journalism, law, media industries including film making and marketing and public relations/business.
Funding
Please note these prices are for the current academic year and may be subject to change for our courses starting in future years.
Find out more about course fees and financial support for UK, EU and non-EU students, plus how to pay your fees.
View our refund policy for further and higher education programmes (page 2) and full cost courses.
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Additional Costs
Students will be expected to purchase coursework text books for a total price of approximately £30.00.
Interview Instructions
You will be invited in for a tour of the College, and a one-to-one interview with one of our lecturers. A conditional offer may then be made subject to you meeting the entry criteria.
Find out more information about your college interview.
Entry Criteria
Ideally, you will hold a minimum of 5 GCSEs at 9 to 4 (A* to C) which must include maths and English. You will need a grade 6 or above in GCSE English Literature.