A Level English Language & Literature
If you enjoy analysing different types of written and spoken language, then this English Language & Literature A Level course is for you! The study of English Language and Literature involves thinking about travel, relationships, power, and justice. You will study three texts at AS Level: a novel, 14 poems, and extracts from language genres such as travel writing, journalism, planned speech and spontaneous speech. At A Level, you will study two additional novels, a play, and a language text of your choice. You will develop analytical skills, supporting every point with evidence and relevant terminology. You will explore relationships between texts and the contexts in which they are written and received, and will draw out similarities and differences between texts. You will use re-creative skills to adapt existing texts for different audiences and purposes. English Language and Literature will help you to develop your written and spoken communication skills as well as to think rigorously, interrogate texts for meaning, and construct and express convincing arguments.
English Language and Literature is a single qualification that can be studied in either your first or second year as an AS qualification, or over two years as a full A Level.
For the AS Level, you will learn how to analyse how techniques produce meanings in texts. You will study a collection of post-1900 poems, and a post-1900 novel; you will be examined on all of these.
For the A Level exams, you will revisit all of your AS texts and will additionally study one play and another novel, both post-1900. For coursework, you will study one further novel and will work independently on a non-fiction text of your own choosing (negotiated with your teacher); you will write a 2500-word comparative analysis of these texts in their respective contexts.
All students studying A Levels must have at least five GCSEs at grade A* – C (grade 9 – 5) in academic subjects, including English Language at grade C (grade 5). Two of these must be B grades (grade 6). Specifically for English Language and Literature, you will need a grade C (grade 5) or above in GCSE English Language AND a grade C (grade 5) or above in GCSE English Literature.
AS Language and Literature is assessed by two examinations. A Level Literature is assessed by two lengthy examinations and one Non-Exam Assessment (coursework).
Most students will go on to study at university. Many A Level English students go on to take the subject at degree level; some choose to follow degrees in Journalism, Creative Writing and Media related courses. A Level English and Literature is a very versatile subject to study and if you are considering going into employment after College, this qualification will demonstrate your ability to communicate at a high level of competency. The study of English is useful for a wide range of careers including the legal profession, teaching, the media, the forces and marketing.