English Language & Literature A Level Course Outline
Advanced Level 3
Awarding Body: Eduqas
Study English Language & Literature
At the heart of this course is an exciting premise: that all texts, written and spoken, literary and non-literary, are worthy of study. As an English Language and Literature student you will engage with a broad and stimulating range of non-literary texts, from speeches to adverts and graphic non-fiction. You will also have the opportunity to study some of the greatest works of literature – poetry, prose and drama - in the English language. You will develop an intense and sophisticated awareness of the relationship between language, genre, purpose and audience, and will learn to apply both literary and linguistic techniques of analysis, in order to illuminate the multiple ways in which meanings are created in and by texts. The assumption that good readers make good writers is another key premise of this course, and you will have a chance to develop your ability to write skillfully and with ease in a range of different genres.
The General entry requirements for A Level courses are six GCSEs grades 9-4 and above, including English Language.
Grade 6 English - 6 in Subject
Awarding Body: Eduqas
Component 1 – Poetry and Prose
- Section A: Poetry
- Section B: Fiction
- Both open book in the exam
Component 2 – Drama
- Section A: Shakespeare (Othello)
- Section B: Post 1900 Drama e.g. Kindertransport
- Both closed book
Component 3 – Non Literary Text
- Section A: Spoken texts
- Section B: Non-Literary Text Study e.g. In Cold Blood.
Component 4 – Coursework
Three writing assignments on a chosen genre
Components 1, 2 and 3 will be assessed by written examinations taken at the end of the year. Component 4 is known as ‘coursework’ and is internally assessed and consists of three coursework tasks.
In order to prepare for these, your knowledge, understanding and skills will be assessed at regular intervals during the year.
You will initially be asked to write short pieces in response to the texts, and through the year you will build up to writing longer and more sustained essays. Within this, you will be given regular practice at writing in timed conditions.
You will also be required to sit mock exams at designated points across the two years.
You will receive clear and detailed feedback on how to improve your work, and you will be guided on how to record and use this feedback effectively. All our students are expected to aim for high grades, and this assessment and guidance will help you do your very best.
Studying English prepares you for a diverse range of professional fields. From the study of English Language & Literature you’ll develop comprehensive written and spoken communication skills, becoming adept at arguing a point, framing a narrative and analysing various levels of meaning. These skills are important in degrees or fields of employment where strong communication and written English are valued, for example:
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Journalism & media occupations like news reporting, magazine journalism, television
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Creative writing for a variety of audiences, including viewers as well as readers
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Publishing, in either print-based or digital forms
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Arts management and promotion
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Advertising, marketing and PR
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Careers in Law such as solicitor, barrister, paralegal or legal secretary
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A teaching career at any level, from Primary school to Higher Education
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Civil service posts
“The teachers really encourage you to be independent readers and thinkers. They expect you to come up with your own ideas, backed up by research and evidence.”
“It was so interesting learning about language in much greater detail. Now I know my prepositions from my pronouns!”
“I found the linguistic approach to my study of literature such a valuable one. It helped me to see more clearly the careful crafting of these great writers.”
Above all, the course encourages students to become independent readers of different texts who can work effectively on their own as well as in a classroom environment. There are a huge variety of resources to help you with this on our regularly updated Moodle site and also on Teams. We also offer a range of extra-curricular activities, such as theatre trips, external workshops, university visits and revision conferences to enhance learning and understanding.
Your teachers on A Level English Language & Literature will be:
Ms Redmond (MRE)
Mr Hazeldine (SHZ)
Ms Gallagher (EGA)
Mr Eakin (WEA)
Ms Thompson (MTH)
All your teachers have relevant higher education qualifications.
