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English Language & Literature
Level: AS/A2
Awarding Body: AQA
Entry Requirements:
C grades in English Language and English Literature. A GCSE pass at grade B or above in English Language is preferred but not essential.
Course Content:
AS Level:
In the introductory unit students study an anthology of spoken and written texts, offering them the opportunity to consider both literary and non-literary genres, and the development of language and style over time. This work is assessed by examination at the end of the year. Coursework is based on a pair of thematically-linked texts and involves in-depth study of how writers craft their work. Texts may include Chandler’s The Big Sleep and Poe’s Selected Stories. In this second unit students produce a folder of both critical and creative writing in which they are required to compare writers’ approaches and methods.
A2 Level:
Spoken language is the focus of the Talk in Life and Literature examination. The aim of this unit is to allow students to identify and discuss how meanings are constructed, conveyed and interpreted both in drama and in real life. It involves studying a play like Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire or a play by Shakespeare alongside examples of crafted and natural speech. For coursework at A2 level, students take two literary texts and transform them into different genre/s, also providing a commentary in which they reflect on their work and show an understanding of the creative process.
Teaching Learning Methods:
Students should be prepared to learn and apply a wide range of linguistic and literary terms. They must also be prepared to read widely, as great emphasis is placed on writing skills and students will be asked to produce texts in a wide variety of styles. Different teaching and learning techniques are employed, including small and large group discussion, audio-visual material and student research and presentation. In addition, great efforts are made to extend the learning environment with extra-curricular visits and trips.
Assessment:
AS Level:
INTRODUCTION TO LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE (2 HOUR EXAMINATION)- 60%
THEMES IN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE(COURSEWORK)- 40%
A2 Level:
INTRODUCTION TO LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE(EXAMINATION)- 30%
THEMES IN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE (COURSEWORK)- 20%
TALK IN LIFE AND LITERATURE(2 HOUR EXAMINATION)- 30%
TEXT TRANSFORMATION(COURSEWORK)- 20%
Skills & Commitment:
Students must have a genuine enthusiasm for literature and language in order to succeed at this level. Responding to a variety of texts under controlled conditions is a key skill. The suggested weekly commitment to private study for an A level course is five hours but close textual reading and wider reading requires much more.
Cost:
Students are expected to buy the majority of their set texts at AS and A2 level. We offer a variety of visits to theatre productions throughout the year which are an additional expense, but the department does assist students with financial difficulties where possible.
Progression:
A good pass at A level English puts students in a very strong position for practically any degree course or field of employment. Complementary subjects on offer include Media Studies, Art and Design, History and any Modern Language. Many admissions tutors in Higher Education, however, welcome “range” in a student’s subjects.
College Contact:
For further information contact Ms P Clancy.
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