For information on the A Level English Language course, please click here.
For information on the A Level English Literature course, please click here.
For information on the A Level English Combined course, please click here.
English Language
Qualification: A Level English Language (AQA)
Course Tutor: Mrs S Peplow
Course entry requirements: General A level entry requirements including GCSE grade 5 in English Literature and preferably a grade 6 in English Language. Exceptions may be made on a case by case basis.
Course description
This is a two year linear A level course.
You will be studying how the different features of language are used in a wide range of both spoken and written texts from radio sports commentary to Heat magazine and from conversations you have with your friends to legal documents. You will investigate how these features change according to audience, purpose and context.
English Language students also examine the variety of accents and dialects in the British Isles and the attitudes that society has towards them. Other social contexts include the different ways language is influenced by gender, class, education and family. You will study how language develops and changes within different groups in society. You will also study how babies and younger children learn language.
Examination
There are two papers, each worth 40% of the final A level mark
In paper 1, students will answer three questions on two texts (one contemporary, one older), showing their understanding of language analysis and the ways representation is created in different texts. One question requires a comparison of the two texts. They will also produce a discursive essay on the ways children develop language.
In paper 2, students choose between an evaluative essay on language diversity or language change and then respond to a textual analysis question and a directed writing task.
Coursework
Students submit a coursework assignment which is worth 20% of their final mark.
You will conduct your own language investigation and produce a piece of original writing with supporting commentary, in an area of language that interests you. This should be approximately 3500 words in total.
Post-18 Opportunities and Employment
Students of A-level English Language go on to careers in:
- Journalism
- Civil Service
- Advertising
- Speech Therapy
- Broadcasting
- Linguistics
- Law
- Medicine
- Education
- Marketing
- Public Relations
- Translating
- Sales
- Management
If you would like more detailed information about the content of this course, please visit the English curriculum page, where you will find curriculum maps for each year of study.
English Literature
Qualification: A Level English Literature (AQA)
Course Tutor: Miss T Rose
Course entry requirements: General A level entry requirements including GCSE grade 6 in English Literature and GCSE Grade 5 in English Language.
Course description
This is a two year linear course.
Students are required to study ‘Love through the Ages’ in Shakespeare, Poetry and Prose. You will be exploring the relationships that exist between texts and the contexts within which they are written, received and understood. You will also be encouraged to debate and challenge the interpretations of other readers, developing your own informed personal responses. You will be looking at ways in which authors shape meaning within their texts and considering contextual relevance across time.
You will also study themes prevalent in Modern Literature (1945-present day). Study will include: a consideration of how societies changed in the aftermath of war; changes to gender expectations; social class and its impact on lives represented in literature; social taboos and how literature explores these boundaries.
Examination
There are two examinations at the end of the course, each worth 40% of the final mark. In Paper 1, students answer questions on Shakespeare and Poetry, with the focus on ‘Love through the Ages’. Paper 2 requires students to answer questions on the set texts from WWI or Modern Literature. There is an unseen element to this paper.
Coursework
The A level coursework is worth 20% of the final mark and is a comparative study of two texts, with at least one written before 1900. You will produce an essay of approximately 2500 words.
Post-18 Opportunities and Employment
This course sits well with other arts based courses at university and can provide a solid base for careers in the media, journalism, teaching, law, management, sales, theatre, civil service, advertising, banking, the BBC and more!
If you would like more detailed information about the content of this course, please visit the English curriculum page, where you will find curriculum maps for each year of study.
English Combined
Qualification: A Level English Language and Literature (AQA)
Course Tutor: Mrs S Peplow
Course entry requirements: General A level entry requirements including grade 5 in GCSE English Language and English Literature.
Course description
This is a two year linear A level course.
You will be studying a combination of Language and Literature exploring:
- Imagined worlds in prose
- Poetic voices
- The way place is represented in literary and non-literary texts.
On this course, students develop their skills in literary and linguistic analysis, enabling them to become critical independent readers. It is designed to nurture personal responses to literary and non-literary texts as well as spoken language thereby allowing students to play to their strengths.
Examination
The A level is assessed at the end of the course via two examinations, each worth 40% of the final mark.
Paper 1: 3 hours
Section A: Remembered Places (Paris anthology)
Section B: Imagined Worlds (The Handmaid’s Tale)
Section C: Poetic Voices
Paper 2: 2 hours 30 mins
Section A: Writing About Society (Re-creative writing)
Section B: Dramatic Encounters (Othello or A Streetcar Named Desire)
Coursework
The A level coursework unit requires students to submit a personal investigation that explores a specific technique or theme in both literary and non-literary discourse, between 2500 and 3000 words.
This is worth 20% of the final mark.
It is usually completed in the Summer term of Year 12. Most of the piece will be produced with teacher guidance in lesson time, with sections completed at home if necessary.
Post-18 Opportunities and Employment
The course sits well with other arts based courses at university and can provide a solid base for careers in the media, journalism, teaching, law, management, sales, the theatre, civil service, advertising, banking, the BBC and more!
If you would like more detailed information about the content of this course, please visit the English curriculum page, where you will find curriculum maps for each year of study.
