English Language and Literature A Level

Explore the myriad methods writers use to create meaning through this in-depth study of English Language and Literature. You’ll examine a wide range of texts, both literary and non-literary, learning how to use precise literary and linguistic terminology to analyse and compare works across genres and time.

The course covers literature (prose, poetry & drama) as well as spoken language texts and Truman Capote’s renowned true crime non-fiction novel, “In Cold Blood”. The prose text we study is “The Color Purple” by Alice Walker, and our drama studies are shaped by Shakespeare’s tragedy “Othello” and Alan Bennett’s modern masterpiece “The History Boys”. Study of the different contexts in which all texts are created further illuminates how meaning is interpreted and how art is in constant conversation with life.

Lessons will be an engaging mix of discussion, debates, pair, independent and group work. You'll develop the skills to write in a variety of styles and genres, and you'll create a portfolio of your own fiction and non-fiction writing.

Throughout your studies, there will be opportunities to attend a range of activities to support your learning, including trips to see plays in performance, where possible. In recent years, our students have visited Shakespeare’s Globe in London, the Cambridge Arts Theatre and the ADC Theatre, Cambridge.

Year 1 Modules

Non-literary texts – In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

Poetry Pre-1945

Prose – The Color Purple by Alice Walker

Spoken Language

Year 2 Modules

Critical & Creative Genre Study

Post-1900 Drama – The History Boys by Alan Bennett

Shakespeare – Othello

80% Exam

20% Coursework

Exam Board: EDUQAS

Five GCSEs at Grade 5 including:

Grade 5 in GCSE English Language

Grade 5 in GCSE English Literature

Students go on to a range of studies such as:

English Literature

English Language

Law

Public Relations and Communications

Script-writing

Journalism

Film

Media

Publishing

at a wide range of institutions, including:

Sheffield University

King’s College London

Aberystwyth University

De Montfort University

Anglia Ruskin University

Nottingham Trent University

Greenwich University.

Students have also gone on to complete Apprenticeships in the fields of Health and Administration.