A-level English Language & Literature blends the study of language and literature. You learn about the structure of language, how language has changed over time and how conversation works in everyday life. You read two novels, an anthology of poetry and prose extracts and, in the second year, a Shakespeare play. Your coursework in both years is creative writing. This A-level develops your ability to read complex texts, write fluently and express yourself confidently in discussion – all skills which are highly valued by employers and universities. English Language & Literature combines well with all other A-levels

NB. Some traditional universities prefer applicants for English degrees to have studied A-level English Literature because more texts are read during the course, especially texts written before 1900.

Exam Board / Specification:  AQA Specification B

Subject entry requirements: In addition to GCSE English Grade C… GCSE   English Literature (desirable).

Exam Units (unit no / title):

AS

Unit 1 (ELLB1)            Introduction to the Study of Language and Literature

Unit 2 (ELLB2)            Genres in Language and Literature*  

A2

Unit 3 (ELLB3)            Talk in Life and Literature

Unit 4 (ELLB4)            Text Transformation*                                     

Coursework details:*

For Unit 2, you write a two-part assignment. You analyse extracts from two novels on a given theme. Your essay will be 1200 – 1500 words. Then you write a creative extension of 400 – 500 to one of your extracts. Your folder is worth 40% of your AS marks.

For Unit 4, you transform two literary texts into another genre and write an accompanying commentary on the process of transformation. Your transformation will be 1500 – 2500 and the commentary will be 1000 – 2000. Your folder is worth 40% of your A2 marks.

For both AS and A2 coursework, you prepare drafts for discussion with your teacher and receive individual support in class and through College Workshops.