Why study A-Level English Literature? (Year 11)

This is one of three lesson plans designed for Year 11 English Literature teachers:

• Jobs that use English Literature (Year 11)
• Skills you learn from English Literature (Year 11)
• Why study A-Level English Literature? (Year 11)

These lesson plans will help you show students how English Literature connects to their future careers.

We recommend using this lesson plan at the beginning of the spring term, as students approach their post-16 choices. It builds on the two earlier lesson plans and draws them together to help students make an informed decision. A-Level English Literature is one post-16 route among several - this lesson plan helps students decide whether it's the right one for them, or whether English Literature fits their future better through another route.

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Learning objectives

• Students will understand what studying A-Level English Literature involves and how it differs from GCSE.
• Students will recognise how English Literature fits different post-16 routes, not just A-Level.
• Students will be able to say whether A-Level English Literature is right for them and why.

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Before the lesson

• You will need a computer connected to the internet and a classroom screen.
• Open the What can you do with English Literature? page and have it ready on the screen.
• Review the page in full so you know what's in each section.
• Be ready to describe your school's A-Level English Literature syllabus.

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During the lesson

1. Recap: jobs and skills (5 mins)

• Ask students to recall what they discussed in the earlier Year 11 lessons:
  • What jobs use English Literature?
  • What skills does English Literature build?
• Write their answers on the board as a quick recap.

2. Walking through the page (15 mins)

• Bring up the What can you do with English Literature? page on the classroom screen.
• Show students the table of contents so they see the shape of what's on the page.
• Walk through the key sections together, unpacking why each one matters for their post-16 decisions:
  • English Literature at A-Level - What the course covers and how it differs from GCSE.
  • Subjects that pair with English Literature - Which other A-Level choices work well alongside it.
  • Where English Literature can take you next - How English Literature leads into further study.
• Briefly outline your school or college's A-Level syllabus, exam board, and assessment methods.

3. Is A-Level English Literature right for you? (10 mins)

• Ask students to think about whether A-Level English Literature fits their post-16 plan.
• Prompt them with questions:
  • Did you enjoy GCSE English Literature enough to spend two more years reading and writing about texts in greater depth?
  • Are you interested in placing texts in their context and weighing competing readings?
  • Do the skills English Literature builds matter for the career or route you're leaning towards?
  • Do the jobs English Literature leads to appeal to you? How are they reached?
  • Does A-Level English Literature pair well with your other post-16 choices?
  • Would a T-Level, apprenticeship, or college course work better for you?
• Close by reminding students that the best post-16 choice is the one they'll engage with - whether that's A-Levels, a T-Level, an apprenticeship, or going straight into work. Interest and effort are what lead to good results, and good results open doors.

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After the lesson

• Share the What can you do with English Literature? page with students and their parents/carers:
  • www.coffeewith.xyz/subjects/what-can-you-do-with-english-literature
• Encourage parents/carers to explore the page with their child and to discuss the contents.
• Encourage parents/carers to also explore related videos and careers with their child.
• Use the School Tools / Activities feature to record the lesson activity:
  • Activity name: Year 11 - Why study A-Level English Literature?
  • Activity type: Linking curriculum learning to careers