English Literature A-Level

[King Henry V]

This is a question for all the English members of the org, has anyone done an English Lit A-Level and if so, which examination boards would they recommend? I'm looking for one which does a more classical, traditional syllabus.

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

I'm doing my English Lit. A2 next year, with WJEC. For my AS I did King Lear as my Shakespeare play, a poetry anthology by Carol Ann Duffy, Tess of the D'Urbervilles, and a play called Translations, by Brian Friel. All examined by essay.

To be honest, I don't think the courses vary very much from syllabus to syllabus-you always get a Shakespeare play, some novels and some poetry. The differences would be in the way you're examined, I imagine-my Shakespeare paper was a closed text exam, which might be to your tastes, or not. My contemporary play was done as coursework, which was a big help.

I'm not sure what you mean by a traditional syllabus, really. You are going to have some contemporary stuff in there, it's compulsory. For what it's worth, the course I did was very enjoyable-although I'd avoid Tess if I were you, it's complete dirge.

[King Henry V]

I have looked at different syllabi such as EdExcel, AQA, Oxbridge. It is true that they are mostly the same, but I was wnadering if there were any other examination boards.

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

I have looked at different syllabi such as EdExcel, AQA, Oxbridge. It is true that they are mostly the same, but I was wnadering if there were any other examination boards.

The Syallabus I'm doing is the Welsh Joint Education Board, or WJEC. They don't get used much outside of Wales.

[English assassin]

AFAIK Edexcel, AQA and OCR are the only big English boards doing A levels.

Tess of the D'Urbervilles is DEADLY. Jude the Obscure is worse mind.

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

Jude the Obscure is worse mind

At least you have the satisfaction of knowing that it pretty much ruined Hardy's career as a novelist.

[King Henry V]

Hey, don't slag of Hardy! I was born in Casterbridge (Dorchester) and my grandparents had a cottage outside where Tess of the D'Urbervilles was sitauted. It's one of Dorset's few claims to fame....... ~;)