English Language and Literature A Level

English Language and Literature has long been a popular course at the College studied by scientists, mathematicians and linguists alike. It offers a more technical approach to the study of English and therefore appeals to a wide range of students.

We follow the AQA specification.

At the start of the course you will learn the ‘nuts and bolts’ of linguistic analysis so that you can apply these skills to all parts of the course. The course will be examined at the end of the two years. It is divided into three components:

Paper 1: Telling Stories

You will learn about how and why stories of different kinds are told, evaluate how stories are told by drawing on knowledge of language and consider why stories are worth telling, or are valuable within society. You will study a range of text types based on the themes of: Remembered Places – the representation of place (Paris Anthology); Imagined Worlds – the point of view and genre in prose (novel); Poetic Voices – the forms and functions of poetic voice (selection of one poet’s work).

Paper 2: Exploring Conflict

Section A of this paper focuses on how language choices help construct ideas of conflict between people and between people and their societies.

Drawing on your knowledge of the text studied, you will produce re-creative work that centres on a previously absent or underplayed perspective in the original work (recasting characters). You will write a commentary which will evaluate your own work for linguistic and literary choices and their intended effect. In Section B you will study a play and focus on conflict within drama.

Non-Exam Assessment

Making Connections
This element of the course allows you to make active connections between literary and non-literary material based on a chosen theme, idea or linguistic strategy. You will produce a personal investigation that explores a specific technique or theme in both literary and non-literary discourse. This area is non-examined and provides personalised and independent learning opportunities, as well as a valuable chance to work on your academic research and writing skills. You will be expected to produce a 2,500 – 3,000 word essay on your chosen area of comparison.

Assessment

You will sit a three part exam for Paper 1 based on the texts worth 40% of the A Level. You will sit a further three part exam for Paper 2 which is also worth 40%. The non-exam assessment is worth 20% of the A Level.

Enrichment Opportunities:

Debating is open to both year groups and is an opportunity to develop clarity of expression and coherence of argument, which will enhance essay writing skills. In previous years we have run a ‘Page to Screen Club’, aimed at both English Language and Literature and English Literature students across Year 12 and Year 13. In the club we watched film versions of set texts and those related to them and discussed directors’ choices and interpretations.

What do our students think of A Level English Language and Literature?

“The course really opens your mind to diverse interpretations of talk in both real life and in text, giving you a new and fuller perspective on the book you read, the advertising you see and even in the way you speak to those around you.”