A-Level English Language and Literature is a combined A-Level which gives students the opportunity to discover, explore and study a range of literary and non-literary texts, examining the development of both written and spoken English. Focus on the academic field of stylistics provides students with the chance to look at the ways in which language is used to shape meaning, create representations and construct worlds. It is a stimulating and challenging course in which students learn how to engage critically with the world around them. Students will develop their skills as producers and interpreters of language responding creatively to texts and crafting texts themselves, critically reflecting on their own processes.
The qualification is well regarded and provides a strong foundation for a range of subjects at Higher Education. Previous students with this A-Level have continued their English studies at university and been prepared for careers in journalism, law, teaching, publishing, marketing, communication studies and creative industries. Students who are pursuing STEM subjects would also benefit from the skills acquired on this course as effective communication is an essential attribute that many higher education courses and employers are seeking.
Join us on theatre trips, study visits, university workshops. Seminars and masterclasses give students a taste of different specialisms that the subject can offer. Our KS5 Book Club also provides lots of wider reading and discussion opportunities.
5 GCSEs 9 – 5, including English Language and English Literature and one humanities subject.
• How to write a critical essay
• Introduction to advanced terminology
• Reading and studying The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
• Studying an anthology of Carol Ann Duffy’s poetry
• An introduction to the non-exam assessment (coursework)
• Studying an anthology of a range of spoken and written non-fiction texts about Paris
• Reading and studying A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams
• Building on critical essay writing skills from Y12
• Reviewing the study of Year 12 content – The Handmaid’s Tale, Paris Anthology and Carol Ann Duffy poetry
• Completion of the non-exam assessment investigation- 20% of the course
• Reading and studying F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby
• How to approach recasting a text from a different perspective/ different context – creative writing
• Writing a commentary reflecting on your own creative writing
All units are examined with AQA:
• Paper 1: 3 hours and 40% of A Level
• Paper 2: 2 hours 30 mins and 40% of A Level
• Non-exam assessment: 20% of A Level
Our teachers are specialists in their field of study and have a wide range of skills. You will be supported by GCSE and A-Level examiners, plus A-Level coursework moderators, who are passionate, experienced and have a love of their subject.
