GCE A Level in English Literature B
at Trinity School, Newbury · school or sixth form
What the college says
The course we study at A Level is AQA English Literature specification B, which is made up of two exams and a coursework style unit (NEA). The aim is to complete first reading and interpretation of all course content during Year 12, allowing Year 13 time for further in depth study and revision with focus on exam techniques to support students in preparing for the formal examinations. The exam board emphasise the importance of student voice and independent argument, so debate and discussion are central to A Level lessons. Component 1 ‘Literary Genres’ (40%) Students will study Tragedy texts including Shakespeare’s Othello, Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman and a selection of poetry by John Keats. Component 2 ‘Texts and Genres’ (40%) Students will study ‘Elements of Crime Writing’. Students will study the classic ‘whodunnit’ by Agatha Christie The Murder of Roger Ackroyd and the award winning crime novel by Kate Atkinson, When Will There Be Good News? This also includes a range of poetry by Oscar Wilde, Robert Browning and George Crabbe. Component 3 ‘Literary Theory’ (20%) The third component is a Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) based on literary theory, which aims to develop independence in reading and thinking. Here students will study a poetry and a prose text, informed by the study of the Critical Anthology and students will complete a portfolio of two essays.
What you need to get on
Five grade 5s at GCSE to include a grade 6 in English Literature.
How you are assessed
Academic subjects, mostly exams, three or four at once. The traditional route to university.
What this level means
The A-level-equivalent step, and what universities and employers ask for.
Is it open to 16 to 18 year olds?
Approved for 16 to 18 study on the government's Section 96 list.
Where it runs
Trinity School.
Love Lane Shaw, Newbury, RG14 2DU
DaytimeClassroom basedCheck the journey
Start dates
- 2 September 2026 · Newbury
Who else teaches this exact qualification
Same qualification, different college. Entry requirements and how it is taught can differ a lot between them, which is the whole reason to compare.
- Their version
West Midlands · 2 years
- Their version
Harrow · London · 2 years
- Their version
Yorkshire and The Humber · 2 years
- Their version
North West · 24 months
- Their version
St John'S Catholic Comprehensive
Gravesend · South East · 2 years
- Their version
Richmond · London · 24 months
- Their version
Saltash · South West · 18 months
- Their version
Scarborough Sixth Form College
Scarborough · Yorkshire and The Humber · 2 years