By Mrs Graves (Head of English)

One of the most interesting aspects of A Level English Literature is the opportunity to engage with texts beyond those students might typically choose for pleasure. This is particularly evident in the non-examined assessment, which allows freedom in selecting ‘texts across time.’

Although coursework writing is still some way off, our Lower Sixth students have already begun the process with a wider reading project over Christmas. They explored Gothic literature, from Horace Walpole’s The Castle of Otranto, often considered the genre’s starting point, to Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s Mexican Gothic, which showcases its evolution. This approach encourages students to encounter diverse and modern texts alongside the traditional canon.

Alongside their study of Austen’s Persuasion, students read Northanger Abbey, a well-known Gothic satire, with secondary choices including Frankenstein, Dracula and Mexican Gothic. Seeing students select texts that reflected their personal interests while stepping beyond familiar reading choices was a clear sign of their growing independence as Sixth Formers.

This year’s focus on Gothic literature was inspired by a University of Sheffield research project aiming to renew interest in Ann Radcliffe, a significant yet often overlooked author of Gothic fiction. Her work was once widely read, yet she has faded from the academic spotlight. The opportunity to explore her novels in the context of this research will allow students to engage with current academic perspectives on the genre and consider how literary reputations evolve over time.