Course Overview

English Language and Literature A Level will introduce you to a wide variety of texts to examine from both a literary and linguistic viewpoint. A selection of poetry, novels, and dramatic texts, such as Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale and Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire, are studied in conjunction with a multitude of non-literary material, such as media-based writings.

There is also a creative writing strand to the course, in which students study a novel together and are tasked with re-writing an extract.

The subject is assessed through exams and independent coursework, for which students choose their own texts and topics to investigate. This course is ideal for anyone wanting to study English at a higher level or wanting a career in any communications-led field, such as journalism, publishing, marketing or education.

Topics include:

• Remembered places
• Imagined worlds
• Poetic voices
• Methods of language analysis are integrated into the activities
• Writing about society
• Critical commentary
• Dramatic Encounters

Additional Costs: All students are expected to purchase a range of English language and literature textbooks which will be used throughout both years. These can be purchased via the College online store when you enrol.

Assessment Methods

You will be assessed through written examinations, with regular internal assessment taking place as the course unfolds.

Your final A Level exam will be made up of two/three exam papers covering the entire programme at the end of year two.

Progression Options

Students who have gained this qualification have gone on to many of the top universities such as, Oxbridge, Exeter, Kings College, Exeter, Manchester, Warwick, Durham and Edinburgh.

Many are studying literature, history, teaching degrees, journalism, politics, psychology, cultural studies, drama and American studies.