ENGLISH LANGUAGE & LITERATURE Requirements We prefer students undertaking English Language & Literature at A Level to have achieved Grade 7 or above in both English Language and English Literature at GCSE, especially if they hope to achieve Grade B or above at A Level. However, we do also accept students with Grade 6s at GCSE, which can translate into pass grades at A Level. The main requirement is that the student loves to read, has a desire to explore a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction, and will read both the set texts and explore their own interests with appropriate wider reading and research. Students also need to enjoy responding to their reading, which will take the form of discussion and written work.
Aims The department has the following stated aims for A Level students: n n
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That they learn to enjoy and appreciate good writing, both fiction and non-fiction, at an advanced level; That they learn to produce critical writing in response to fiction and non-fiction texts which is appropriate to advanced level study; That they enjoy creative writing in a variety of forms, and seek to develop their own voice; That they understand how to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills through independent study.
Subject content There are three components to the course; two exam components each worth 40% of the grade, and one coursework component worth 20%. Component One is exam-assessed and involves study of 20th and 21st Century texts with a focus on ‘voice’. Students study a variety of set non-fiction pieces which are compared to an unseen text in the exam, followed by a modern drama which is currently ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ by Tennessee Williams. Component Two is exam-assessed involves the study of two core literary texts, currently ‘Great Expectations’ by Charles Dickens, and Shakespeare’s ‘Othello’. Pupils write an essay response to a non-fiction text on the theme of ‘Society and the Individual’ and then a comparative essay on the studied literary texts. Both exams are “open book” (i.e. clean copies of the texts are provided for pupils in the exam room). Component Three is the coursework component, and pupils to have read widely on a chosen theme and then used their reading as a springboard to create one non-fiction and a fiction text of their choosing alongside an analytical commentary. Assessment Objectives Students are assessed on five skills: n
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AO1 Apply concepts and methods from integrated linguistic and literary study as appropriate, using associated terminology and coherent written expression; AO2 Analyse ways in which meanings are shaped in texts; AO3 Demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of the contexts in which texts are produced and received; AO4 Explore connections across texts, informed by linguistic and literary concepts and methods; AO5 Demonstrate expertise and creativity in the use of English to communicate in different ways.
Careers An A Level in English Language & Literature is always a desirable qualification when applying for degree courses. English Language & Literature graduates, and graduates in related subjects, are able to progress into all careers except those with other specific requirements, and the skills learned are readily transferable to a range of future careers including law, marketing, journalism, publishing, teaching and education, performing arts, travel and tourism, graphic design, health and social care, and many more.
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