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English is a captivating area of study with so much variety that there is truly something for everyone! This combined course is a compelling one, offering you the chance to analyse, discuss and debate a huge range of fictional and non-fictional material.
Students who enjoyed literary analysis at GCSE but are worried about the extent to which medieval writers like Chaucer and early modern writers such as Shakespeare dominate English Lit A Level often feel much happier with the more modern choices of texts that feature on this combined course – for example, Shakespearean plays are set but they are not compulsory!
You will also have the chance to learning more about the way language is used in everyday interactions, empowering you to communicate more effectively with those around you, whatever you do in the future. And you’ll be able to indulge your love of reading and have a go at some creative writing of your own.
The coverage of A Level English Language and Literature is broader than that of English Literature or English Language A Level studied separately since, in addition to the study of novels, poetry and plays, it includes the study of non-fiction spoken and written texts as well as providing exciting opportunities for creative writing.
In the first year of the, you will study non-fiction written and spoken texts and the language of literary texts. You’ll explore both prose and poetry this year. As with the English Language A Level, you’ll get to learn and study the history of the English language as well as dialects and how our speech develops are we grow.
In the second year, you continue to broaden your understanding of non-fiction and spoken texts through emphasis on how language is used in context. You will also continue the exploration of the language of poetry and plays. Finally, both through an examined unit and a coursework component, you work on creative writing exercises - often the most stimulating aspect of the whole course.
The texts we study typically mature in content and deal with different theories such as feminism and Marxism. The texts are as follows:
· Carol Ann Duffy’s Mean Time Anthology
· The Handmaid’s Tale, Margaret Atwood
· Streetcar Named Desire, Tennessee Williams
· The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald
You will sit two exams, (worth 70% in total), and complete a piece of coursework (30%).
A level English is a brilliant ‘mixer’, since it complements many other subjects. It obviously can be studied alongside other humanities and social science subjects. However, it works equally well with sports or health and social care, as well as the sciences, art, business or IT.
Universities and employers greatly value the higher order thinking skills and creativity which this course affords, as well as the ability to write precisely and succinctly when presenting complex ideas. An English degree serves as an excellent foundation for entry into a wide variety of careers, such as law, psychology, teaching, journalism, marketing and publishing.
Grade 5 in English language & grade 4 in literature.
At least four 5s at GCSE.
Your English and maths GCSEs must be at least grade 4.
At least five 4s at GCSE. A grade 4 in math, English language, or literature, and a grade 3 in the other subjects is required.
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