English Language & Literature combined

What is the A-Level in English Literature and why should I study it?

The newly-offered A-Level in English Language and Literature (combined) offers clear progression from both GCSE English Literature and GCSE English Language. Over the two years of study, you will explore how language choices can shape meanings within a variety of different literary and non-literary texts.

This specification offers opportunities for you to develop your subject expertise by engaging creatively, critically and independently with a wide range of texts, using literary and linguistic concepts and methods. Throughout the duration of the course, you will gain insights into the nature of different discourses and ideas about creativity, enhancing your skills as producers and interpreters of language by creating texts yourself and critically reflecting on your own processes of production.

The course will further develop a wide range of skills, such as the ability to read critically, analyse, evaluate and undertake independent research - all invaluable skills which will equip you for further study and future employment.

For the full A-Level, you will study the following topics:

• Imagined Worlds

• Remembered Places

• Poetic Voices

• Dramatic Encounters

• Writing about Society

• Connections across texts (Non exam assessment/coursework)

One benefit of this course, is that the Imagined Worlds, Poetic Voices, Writing About Society and Dramatic Encounters units of study are open book- meaning that you can take a clean copy of the set texts into the exam with you.

Possible texts that you could study include: The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

The A-Level qualification is made up of the following components:

Examination: Paper 1 – Telling Stories (40% of A-Level)

Examination: Paper 2 – Exploring Conflict (40% of A-Level)

Coursework: Making Connections (20% of A-Level)

To study this course you will require Grade 5 or above in Language and Literature.

Law, Journalism, Teaching, Civil Service, Media roles, linguistics and other related University courses.

Graduate Training Schemes e.g. Police force, Psychology, Criminology, Teaching, Media etc.