English Language and Literature A level

For entry into the Sixth Form to study 3 A' Levels, students are required to achieve 5 grades at 9-5 (or where applicable A*-C) including English Language and Mathematics at Grade 4 or above.

In exceptional cases, students that do not reach the entry criteria based on their attainment in English or mathematics will be admitted to the 6th form with the addition of GCSE retake classes in the appropriate subject to their timetable. This based on 6th form discretion.

While we would encourage students to study 3 A levels, in exceptional cases and following conversation at interview we may support a student to study 4. All students will have the option to study for Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) alongside their A levels.

A grade 6 is recommended in any subject that a student wishes to continue at A Level. Students are welcome to discuss entry criteria for specific subjects and to ensure that their subject choices match their goals and aspirations.

Students wishing to study Mathematics require a grade 6 and in Further Maths require a Grade 7 in the subject at GCSE.

English Combined

A level AQA 7707

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Are you fascinated by language? Do you enjoy analysing fiction and non-fiction texts? Or maybe you love creative writing. If you do, then English language and literature combined could be the subject for you. During the course, we'll explore how language can be used to explore ideas e.g. how does the dystopia of The Handmaid's Tale shine a light on our own society? We'll also consider how language can be used to show conflict between characters and how language can be used to convey nuanced meanings to readers. This in turn will feed into your own creative work enabling you to become a more accomplished writer. To suceed at this course, you'll need to be willing to read independently a range of literary and non-literart texts.

Course details:

Telling Stories – 40% of A level

This part of the course will focus on storytelling and telling stories – stories that tell us something about society. We’ll also explore the terminology students need to analyse sections of text in detail. During this part of the course, we’ll be studying the following texts:

• AQA Paris Anthology – this will include a range of text types with an emphasis on non-fiction and non-literary material.
• A substantial prose text – The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood.
• AQA Poetic Voices Anthology – focusing on a range of poems Carol Ann Duffy.

Exploring Conflict – 40% of A level

This part of the course focuses on how language choices help construct ideas of conflict between people. Again, students will be expected to closely analyse sections of texts using appropriate terminology. During this part of the course, we’ll be studying the following texts:

• The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald.
• A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams.

As part of their study of The Great Gatsby, students will be asked to engage in creative writing that is inspired by the text.

Making Connections – non-exam assessment - 20% of A level

The non-exam assessment is a piece of coursework. Students will prepare for the assessment in lessons, but they will write the assessment in their own time. The non-exam assessment takes the form of an investigation which encourages students to make connections between literary and non-literary texts. The investigation will be around 2000 words in length.

Should I take English language and literature or just English Literature?

You should be aware that both subjects are academic and challenging. They each involve a considerable amount of reading and writing. In the past, some have viewed English language and literature as an easier option; this is certainly not the case.

Choose English language and literature if…

• You enjoy reading a range of fiction and non-fiction texts.
• You are interested in exploring how language works.
• You have an enquiring mind and are willing to research and investigate fiction and non-fiction texts.
• You enjoy creative writing (however, this is a small proportion of the course and is assessed in an exam).

Choose English Literature if…

• You enjoy reading – you’ll be studying at least 9 texts from different genres and times.
• You enjoy thinking critically about texts, exploring your ideas in debates and essays.
• You have a passion for individual study and investigation – you’ll be writing a 2500 word independent study.
• You enjoy learning about the social and historical background of texts and writers.

To complete an A Level in this subject it is necessary to achieve a Grade 5 at GCSE in a similar type of subject, although we strongly advise that students should be looking at achieving at least a Grade 6 at GCSE in a similar type of subject to have a secure platform for entry on to the course.

Where can English Language and Literature lead you?

English language and literature will open up lots of opportunities for you in the future. It teaches communication skills and communication is essential to most jobs and courses. English language and literature develops your writing skills and many companies require people who can write in a lucid and engaging manner. It also helps you analyse how texts work. This is essential for any job which requires you to read. Here are a few ideas of careers Combined English may prepare you for: teaching, journalism, writing (e.g. magazines, websites, screenplays, novels…) advertising, public relations, speech therapy, psychology, forensic linguistics, translator / interpreter.