Qualification: A Level English Language & Literature
Exam Board: Edexcel
A Level English Language and Literature combines the study of great literary works with the exploration of how language shapes meaning, identity and culture. You will analyse a wide range of texts, from novels, poetry and drama to spoken and written language, while developing your own creative and critical writing skills. The course encourages thoughtful discussion, independent interpretation and effective communication, making it an excellent choice for students interested in literature, journalism, law, media, education and many other humanities-based degrees and careers.
Course Content
This "combined" course integrates linguistic and literary approaches to explore how language creates meaning.
Includes "creative writing" elements where students recreate texts and write commentaries on their own work.
Discussion is central to lessons; students must offer opinions, make educated guesses, and substantiate assertions.
Texts studied are the Edexcel Anthology ‘Voices in Speech and Writing’, ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’, by Tennesse Williams, ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ by Lorriane Hansberry and ‘The Great Gatsby’ by F Scott Fitzgerald. Alongside these, students can use one fiction and one non fiction text of their choice on which to base their coursework.
Assessment
Paper 1: Voices in Speech and Writing (2 hours 30 mins exam). This involves answering two questions in essay format, on a taught text and an unseen, followed by a taught text.
Paper 2: Varieties in Language and Literature (2 hours 30 mins exam). This involves two written responses, one on an unseen text and one comparing two taught texts.
Investigating and Creating Texts coursework. Using stimulus texts on a theme of your choice, create two pieces of original writing and a commentary on them.
Entry Requirements
Grade 6 or above in both English Language and English Literature at GCSE in order to access this course.
Extra Curricular Opportunities
Students are constantly advised to stretch themselves with further independent reading and research beyond the set texts. Bookclub is available to those who want to read for pleasure around their course or read to support applications for English degrees.
Sometimes theatre productions are available for set texts.
Progression Post 18
Being excellent communicators opens many doors for university course choices.
Highly skilled humanities graduates are in demand for their transferable skills and adaptability.
Complements other Humanities subjects well.
Prepares students for apprenticeships in Journalism and Media, Publishing and the Creative Arts.
Prepares students for degrees in English, History, Politics, Social Sciences, Classics, Languages, Creative Writing, Film, Journalism or Broadcasting, Linguistics, Education/Teaching and more.
Can also lead into further study for those wanting to pursue Linguistics, Counselling/Psychotherapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Play Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Educational Psychology.
Careers
Highly valued by employers for developing people who can crisply and concisely convey information and manipulate ideas.
Prepares students for careers in journalism, TV broadcasting, writing, publishing, law, and other communications-based roles.
What our students say about this course
Year 12 student
"I am studying Business Studies, History, Philosophy and Ethics and English Literature and Language at A level. I hope to go to Brunel University to complete a BA in Modern History. I stayed at Coombe Sixth Form as I know the teachers are always supportive with help and advice from my time at Coombe Girls'. My ultimate ambition for the future is for a career in Journalism."