A Level English Language & Literature

Course overview

Embark on a captivating exploration of language and literature with our A Level English Language and Literature course. 

This interdisciplinary program combines the study of literary texts with linguistic analysis, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of how language functions in literature and society.

Through close reading, critical analysis, and creative writing, students develop the skills to interpret texts, explore themes, and engage with complex ideas.

What's Covered?

The English Language and Literature specification offers students the chance to perform textual analysis in relation to both literary and non-literary texts as well as develop their own creative writing skills.

The course includes a focus on poetry and drama, through Blake's Songs of Innocence and Experience and Tennessee Williams A Streetcar Named Desire.

It also offers a chance to develop more contextually focused responses and creative readings using Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby as a central text.

Alongside the more literary elements students will also study a range of spoken and non-fiction texts, through the set anthology which aims to take in changing stylistic features over time.

The coursework element allows students to explore an aspect of narrative through a comparative analysis of Jeanette Winterson's Why Be Happy When You Can Be Normal and a post-2000 text of their own choice. It also allows them a chance to develop their own creative writing through writing on a topic of their choice in a non-fictional format.

This course combines well with other humanities based subjects, such as history, sociology, law, media, film studies and psychology.

Entry requirements?

A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 5 or above including maths and English Language, in subjects relevant to your A Level or A+ Programme subject choices.

How is it assessed?

The course is assessed via three examinations and two pieces of coursework:

• Exploring non-fiction and spoken texts - 1 hour (16%)

• The language of poetry and plays – 2 hours (32%)

• Reading as a writer, writing as a reader – 2 hours (32%)

• Comparative analysis (10%)

• Writing creatively (10%)

What can I do next?

Successful completion of the course gives you a qualification that is accepted for entry into Higher Education and is very useful for any courses with a high number of essay based assessments or creative elements.

It will facilitate access to most courses, but can lead beyond the more obvious subject links to higher apprenticeships or degrees in areas such as journalist, marketing, copywriting, content editing, and education and media relations.

What financial support is on offer?

This course is free for anyone aged 16 – 18.

College Maintenance Allowance (CMA): Anyone with a gross household income under £30,000 can receive financial support to cover college related costs such as transport, meals, course equipment and uniform.

Bursary support is based on individual circumstances and will be allocated to best suit your individual needs. A range of other financial support is available depending on your personal circumstances.