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English Language and Literature
Introduction
If you love to read and work independently or within a team and enjoy discussion and debate, our English Combined A-Level may be a fantastic option for you. English Language and Literature allows you to explore fascinating topics through both fiction and non-fiction texts. Our course allows you to develop your critical analysis skills and develop your own creative writing allowing refection on your own style.
You will have a chance to study English Literature throughout the ages. You will look at the way in which writers craft language and how the influence of various social, historical, political and cultural factors affects the production of texts. A major part of this course is the study of spoken language; how spoken language is used in real conversation and how it is manipulated by writers to create authentic voices for their characters.
You will also have an opportunity to study creative writing, both literary and non-literary, using the texts you study as source texts for the production of your own pieces, inspiring you to explore your own style of writing. Detailed linguistic analysis is also a key aspect of the course and will prepare you for further study of all analytical subjects at university.
AS/A Level Exam Boards Used
We use the exam board OCR. Students studying A Level English Literature complete the following modules:
AS: H071
F661: Poetry and Prose 1800-1945
F662: Coursework: Literature post 1900
A2
F663: Drama and Poetry pre 1800
F664: Coursework: Texts in Time
Course Description
You will be taught for five hour long lessons each week. Teaching is rigorous and lessons are fun, varied and fast-paced and you will be fully challenged in a variety of interesting and creative ways, helping to ensure that you achieve your full potential. You will have the opportunity to read widely and work independently on writing tasks and group discussion and debates. You will also work closely with your teacher who will help you to fully develop your skills in all aspects of the study of English and give you access to expert guidance and support.
The following components will be covered when studying for AS Level:
Component 1
|
Section A:
Comparative analysis of poetry and unseen text (closed-book) |
Section B:
Creative writing and commentary One question presented in three parts, comprising two writing tasks, one of which will be spoken language, and a commentary |
Component 2
|
Section A:
Post-1900 drama (open-book, clean copy) One two-part question from a choice of two. Chosen text: Tennessee Williams: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Penguin Modern Classics) |
Section B:
Non-literary text study (open-book, clean copy) One question from a choice of two based on the reading of one non-literary text. Chosen text: George Orwell: Homage to Catalonia (Penguin Classics) |
The following components will be covered when studying for A Level:
Component 1
|
Section A:
Poetry (open-book, clean copy) One question from a choice of two based on the WJEC English Language and Literature Pre -1914 Poetry Anthology plus an unseen text published post-1914 |
Section B:
Prose (open-book, clean copy) One question from a choice of two, presented in two parts, based on the reading of a prose fiction text from a prescribed list. Chosen text: Alice Walker: The Color Purple (Phoenix) |
Component 2
|
Section A:
Shakespeare (closed-book) One compulsory extract-based task and one essay question from a choice of two based on the reading of a Shakespeare play from a prescribed list. Chosen text: Much Ado About Nothing |
Section B:
Post-1900 Drama (closed-book) One question from a choice of two based on the reading of one play from a prescribed list. Chosen text: Tennessee Williams: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Penguin Modern Classics)
|
Component 3
|
Section A:
Comparative analysis of spoken non-literary texts. Comparative analysis of three unseen spoken language non-literary texts. |
Section B:
Non-literary text study (closed-book) One two-part question based on the reading of a non-literary text selected from a prescribed list. Chosen text: George Orwell: Homage to Catalonia (Penguin Classics) |
Component 3
|
Section A:
Genre Study A critical and sustained study of a prose genre. |
Section B:
Related Creative Writing Two writing assignments (one literary/one non-literary) |
What independent study will I have to do?
As a Language and Literature student you will be expected to read independently and keep a journal of the books you have studied. In addition to this, you must read a broadsheet newspaper, such as The Guardian, The Times and The Independent, at least once a week to inform understanding of topical issues and to broaden vocabulary. Listening to podcasts from BBC radio 4 and 5Live will also support the spoken word element of the course.
Homework is set weekly and it is imperative the tasks are completed with care and detail.
A Level Results 2022
Congratulations to our Year 13 students on achieving 100% A*-C
A Level Results 2021
Congratulations to our Year 13 students on achieving 70% A*-C
A Level Results 2020
Congratulations to our Year 13 students on achieving 67% A*-C
What are the options post-18 and what are the career pathways if you study this course?
There are a broad range of opportunities open to students who have studied A-Level English Combined. You could go on to study English at degree level at a wide range of universities across the country, as well as many other non-English related courses.
A-Level English Language and Literature is complimentary to the following careers and many of our students have progressed to study subjects as varied as: English Literature, Creative Writing, Journalism, Medicine, Law, Education, Politics
