Sixth Form Options Booklet 2019-21

English Language
and Literature
Type of Qualification:
A Level English Language and Literature
Entry Requirements:
General entry requirements for level 3 study, and a minimum of grade 5 in English
language or literature
Course Content:
Year 1:
Students are introduced to stylistics (a combined approach to linguistic and
Literary study) and the language frameworks which underpin all texts. The
course is challenging but rewarding and provides an opportunity to analyse
both literary and non-literary texts In forensic detail, examining the ways in
which they are constructed and how meanings are shaped.
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein
AQA Paris Anthology
Recreative writing
A selection of poems by Carol Ann Duffy
Year 2:
Students consolidate their understanding of how texts are constructed and exercise their own creative writing skills by producing
recreative texts in response to The Great Gatsby. Another literary genre is also introduced in the second year, with students
studying the play A Streetcar Named Desire in order to further their understanding of how writers approach the different genres
of poetry, prose and drama. There is a greater focus on independence this year with students completing a ‘non-exam
assessment’ which will be driven by the individual student’s interests and supported by the classroom teacher.
Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby
Investigation of a theme in a literary and non-literary text
How your work is assessed:
Year 2: 80% examination, 20% non-exam assessment
Why study English language and literature?
The study of English Language and Literature will provide you with the analytical skills necessary to engage with a variety of
different types of text and media. The course is well thought of by universities and gives students the opportunity to combine a
love of both GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature if they wish to further develop their skills in both areas. It is
important for students to remember that there is a significant amount of reading involved in the English Language and Literature
course and this gives students the opportunity to engage with a superb selection of literary texts.
Extra Curricular Opportunities
The English department has previously run trips to The National Theatre, London, Cheltenham Literature Festival, residential visits to
Shakespeare’s Birthplace and the Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in order to see National Theatre
Live productions.
We have also arranged in-school activities such as visits from bestselling author Louis de Bernieres and Mancunian street poet
Mike Garry. There are also opportunities to get involved with Student Ambassadors Scheme (planning and teaching lessons to
high school students!) and Academic mentoring.