English Language & Literature

 

The course involves some study of texts and some degree of creativity – mainly in the form of written pieces of structured creative writing. The subject involves evaluating, analysing and responding to a variety of literary and non-literary texts – at AS Level there is an anthology and a pair of novels; at A2 there is a play, discourse (conversation) analysis and a pair of texts to be transformed in to another genre.

 

Overview of subject:

 

A Level courses are changing from September 2015 and some courses have yet to be accredited. We will select the one which we feel prepares the students best for further study and provides interest and enjoyment in English.

 

The likely course of study is that offered by AQA which involves study and analysis of literary and non-literary texts, together with some degree of creativity in the form of a written piece of creative writing with commentary in both the AS and A Level examinations.

 

What will I study?

 

For AS Level you will study an anthology, set prose text and set poetry text; at A Level you will additionally study a drama set text and undertake a personal investigation for coursework.

 

AS Level Examination:

 

Paper 1 Views and Voices (1 hour 30 minutes – closed book) One question on prose set text, one question on poetry set text

Paper 2 People and Places (1 hour 30 minutes – closed book) One question on the AQA Anthology: Paris, one piece of re-creative writing using the extract provided for the first question as well as a critical commentary

 

There is no coursework at AS Level.

 

A Level Examination:

 

Paper 1 Telling Stories (3 hours)

One question on the AQA Anthology: Paris (closed book), one question on prose set text, one question on poetry set text (both open book)

Paper 2 Exploring Conflict (2 hours 30 minutes – open book)

One piece of re-creative writing using set text as well as a critical commentary, one question on drama set text

 

A Level Coursework:

 

Making Connections – a personal investigation that explores a specific technique or theme in both literary and non-literary texts

 

How will I be assessed?

 

Students will complete AS examinations in the summer of Year 12. Students will complete a coursework investigation and undertake A Level examinations at the end of Year 13.

 

Entry Requirements

 

Route 1 – Grade B from English Language and Grade C from English Literature

Route 2 – Grade B from English Language and Grade C from English Literature

Route 3 – Not available

Route 4 – Not available

 

Career Opportunities

 

Those who study English at A Level have the possibility of embarking upon careers in the following areas: journalism, media, law and teaching.