A-Level English Language and Literature gives students the opportunity to discover, explore and study a range of engaging literary and non-literary texts from various cultures and literary periods. The course examines the development of both written and spoken English and looks at the ways in which the language is used to create and shape meaning. It is a stimulating and challenging course in which students learn how to engage critically with the world around them. The course also provides opportunities for students to respond creatively to texts, both in coursework and examined units.
The qualification is well regarded by universities, and provides a strong foundation for a range of subjects at Higher Education. Previous students with this A-Level have been prepared for careers in journalism, law, teaching, publishing, marketing, communication studies and work in the creative industry. Students who are pursuing STEM subjects would also benefit from the skills acquired on this course as good communicative skills are regarded highly by universities and apprenticeships.
Join us on theatre trips, residential stays, study visits and attend our workshops held in conjunction with Sheffield Hallam University. 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 from 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