Why I Wish I’d Taken English Literature
Published: Thu 10 July 2025Looking back, if there’s one subject I truly regret not choosing at A Level, it’s English Literature.
At the time, I thought I was being pragmatic – opting for a “safe” combination to keep my university options open. In reality, English is one of the most intellectually and professionally versatile subjects out there. Many bankers, lawyers, and politicians have studied it. I overlooked a course that would have fundamentally shaped how I think, write, and engage with the world.
As someone who later returned to ICS to teach, I’ve seen first-hand what I missed. The English Literature faculty here is outstanding! Ms Deane’s socratic questioning is sharp – she makes you think harder and argue better. Dr Zahar’s knowledge is astonishing, and the depth she brings to every discussion stays with you. Together, they really do make you look forward to learning.
But the value of English Literature goes far beyond great teaching. In a world that often feels uncertain, even chaotic, literature offers clarity. It introduces you to the most urgent human questions: power, identity, morality, conflict. Beyond building cultural capital, it gives you the ability to have meaningful conversations about the issues that truly matter.
English sharpens your thinking far beyond the classroom. It gives you the vocabulary and confidence to speak intelligently with anyone – whether in a seminar, a job interview, or a conversation with someone twice your age. Your world becomes far more colourful when you possess the diction to verbalise your feelings.
I will say, though, English isn’t a subject for the passive. It demands critical thought and deep engagement. These are life skills. And in an age where AI handles the routine, it’s precisely this kind of creative and evaluative thinking that sets people apart.
It’s also a remedy to something we rarely discuss: the harmful effects of short-form, overstimulating content. TikTok brain rot trains you to crave instant rewards, weakening your attention span. English Literature does the opposite. It rebuilds focus. It strengthens the pathways responsible for sustained thought. That matters a great deal, especially as you prepare for university.
And look where it can lead! Tom Hiddleston studied English at Cambridge. Emma Watson at Brown. Christopher Nolan – one of the most original minds in cinema – read English at UCL. Their ability to think deeply and communicate powerfully didn’t come from nowhere.
Time and again, I’ve seen students who take English Literature become some of the most articulate, perceptive, and employable people around. They write with clarity. They speak with confidence. They stand out.
So, if you’re in Year 11 and choosing your subjects: don’t overlook English Literature. It’s how you become someone worth listening to.
I wish I’d taken it. You still can.
Mr D Anawar
Teacher and Alumnus, Class of 2024
