A-Level English Literature (OCR H472)

Course Overview

This course is perfect for students who love to read and delve into the meaning, style and contexts of language, those who are not afraid to think deeply and work independently and those who enjoy discussion and debate about literature and how to interpret it.

This course is demanding yet varied and very enjoyable. Students will develop their writing, analytical and reading skills. There are several texts to study including novels, short stories, plays and poetry. The earliest texts pre-date Shakespeare and the most modern have only just been published.

This well-established and popular A-level course has a good reputation with universities and is a very useful qualification to have for any kind of humanities degree. Employers, too, respect the rigour and quality of the course. The choice of post-graduate options is very wide indeed. The subject provides a firm supportive basis for any course or employment requiring language skills of any kind.

You will study:

  • Component 01: Drama and Poetry Pre-1900
  • Component 02: Comparative and Contextual Study
  • Component 03: Literature Post-1900 (Coursework)

“The best thing about English is that you are encouraged to develop your own ideas.  Discussion is really important, and I think this prepares you for university.”

St Ivo Student

Course Code: H472

Minimum Entry Requirements

  • A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including English 
  • Grade 5+ in GCSE English Literature

Exam Board: OCR

Assessment

  • 80% Exam
    • Component 1 – 40%
    • Component 2 – 40%
  • 20% Coursework

Choosing your post-16 options is an important decision, and St Ivo Academy Sixth Form is here to guide you. Applications are welcome from students in St Ives and beyond via the MyChoice16 platform.

Step-by-step application process

  1. Log in to your MyChoice16 account.
  2. Select ‘My Applications’. To start a new application, click ‘Start a new Application’; to continue an existing one, click ‘Continue’ next to your application.
  3. Complete all sections of your Profile Template if this is your first application. For additional applications, only ‘Course Choices’ needs to be completed.
  4. Qualifications will be uploaded by the school—this section can be skipped. Your form tutor will add a reference.
  5. Complete any remaining fields or checkboxes. Click ‘Send Application’ to submit.
  6. Your application status will update (eg. Sent, Schools Hold). The school will review your application to ensure it meets the requirements, and you may be asked to discuss it with a teacher.
  7. Monitor your application regularly and respond promptly to any notifications.
  8. All applicants will be invited to an interview before a provisional offer is made.

 

Media & Communication

  • Journalist / Editor
  • Copywriter / Content Creator
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Publishing Assistant / Editor

Creative & Arts

  • Writer / Author / Playwright
  • Screenwriter
  • Theatre / Film Production roles
  • Arts Administrator

Education & Research

  • Teacher / Lecturer in English
  • Academic Researcher
  • Librarian

Other Professional Roles

  • Lawyer / Legal Professional (via further study)
  • Marketing / Advertising
  • Civil Service / Policy Roles

Jane Panter – Jane.Panter@astreastivo.org

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