Achieving High Grades at 'A' Level English Literature: An Investigation into Factors that Contribute to Schools' Successes

This article is drawn from a report produced for Suffolk schools concerning the factors that seem to underlie success at A level English Literature by able students. The report followed a small-scale survey in six schools which regularly do well in the proportion of high grades achieved, conducted as part of the ongoing monitoring of teaching and learning in English in the county. Through lesson observation, interview and the scrutiny of written work, a large number of possible factors explaining the success of these departments were considered. The factors of greatest significance included the subject expertise and commitment of staff, the balance of teaching methods used and pupils' experience of a challenging English curriculum at KS4. The report's conclusions and recommendations are of general interest to English departments and INSET providers nationally.