Page 26 - Sixth Form Courses 2026-2028

A LEVEL
ENGLISH LITERATURE

OVERVIEW If you enjoy reading and talking about what you read, watching plays being
performed and discussing your responses to the books you have read, then the
Literature in English International A level will challenge and expand your
appreciation of poetry, prose and drama.
You will learn how to respond critically and creatively; exploring contrasts,
comparisons and connections between texts as well as forming an argument and
presenting your own views.

APPROACH You will be expected to read independently, and you will explore texts through
your own note-making, essays and research as well as class discussions and
debates. Your ideas and opinions matter.
Your critical and debating skills will be developed as you explore different
interpretations of a range of texts. You will learn through film and performance as
well as the written word and will have opportunities to follow your own interests
through coursework and project work. Your essay writing skills will be honed in
class with one-to-one attention from your teacher as the course progresses.
There will be a variety of enrichment opportunities, ranging from theatre and
cinema trips, to visiting literary sites. There will also be social events with a literary
flavour when the teaching groups meet for some food (and food for thought) as
well as to engage in discussions, workshops and debates.

COURSE OUTLINE During the course, you will study four units:
1. Drama & Poetry: you will study and learn to write about the author’s craft in one
play and one collection of poetry. This is examined in a 2 hour paper.
2. Prose & Unseen: you will study one work of prose fiction, and you will learn how
to analyse an unseen passage or poem, in preparation for a 2 hour paper in which
you answer one essay question on each of them.
3. Shakespeare & Drama: in this unit you will study a play by Shakespeare and
another play, in preparation for a 2 hour exam.
4. 1900 Poetry & Prose: you will study one work of prose fiction and one collection
of poetry. This is examined in a 2 hour paper.
All the units are equally weighted.

FURTHER INFORMATION English Literature combines well with subjects like History, Philosophy, Languages
and Economics. It is best-suited to those who already enjoy reading and exploring
texts and is a good basis for many subjects at degree level. For example, arts
subjects, Law, Drama and American Studies.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS You will need to have at least grade 6 (B) in English Language and English
Literature, but grade 7 (A) is highly desirable for those who wish to achieve grade C
or higher at A level.

EXAM BOARD AND 9695
SPECIFICATION https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/
cambridge-international-as-and-a-level-english-literature-9695/

CONTACT Head of English and Media
Mr J Baddock
baddock.j@millfieldschool.com

24 MILLFIELD SIXTH FORM 2026-2028