English Literature B
SYLLABUS - AQA SPECIFICATION
AS UNITS
NAME
TIMING OF ASSESSMENT
PERCENTAGE OF AS
Unit 1
Aspects of Narrative
June
60%
30% of A Level
Unit 2
Dramatic Genres/ Comedy
Coursework – April
40%
20% of A Level
A2 UNITS
NAME
TIMING OF ASSESSMENT
Unit 3
Texts and Genres/ The Gothic
June
30%
Unit 4
Further and Independent reading
Coursework – April
20%
PERCENTAGE OF A2
DESCRIPTION OF COURSE
The majority of the sessions will involve students working in groups, pairs or
individually, with the support of the teacher, to analyse the texts.
At AS level, a range of classic and modern writers are studied. In the present
syllabus, The Kite Runner (1990’s) The Great Gatsby (1920’s) The History Boys (1990s)
and Much Ado About Nothing (1600’s) and a range of poetry are examples of some of
the texts on offer.
At A2 level, classic Gothic texts including Shakespeare, Wuthering Heights, Bloody
Chamber and Frankenstein are studied. However, there is an opportunity for students
to choose their own texts for study at A2. This course develops critical thinking skills
and encourages students to discuss and explore their views, along with enhancing
important writing skills which are valued by both colleges and employers alike.
WHERE NEXT?
English Literature is a holistic academic discipline and is welcomed as a challenging
A level by all universities including Oxbridge. Studying English Literature will
broaden students’ outlook and be of enormous benefit both academically and
culturally.
SUBJECT SPECIFIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
 Grade B in GCSE English Literature
 Grade C in both GCSE English Language and Literature