A Level English Language and Literature

Level: 3 | Duration: 2 Years | Details: September | Exam Board: EDEXCEL

Please note all of our A Level subjects must be studied as part of a full time A Level programme. You will choose 3 A level subjects to study over two years.

What is this course about?
This is a fully integrated course where you will use both linguistic and literary approaches to texts, showing how the two disciplines can relate to each other. You will participate in a whole range of activities and writing assignments, contribute to group discussions, presentations and a wide variety of teaching and learning activities. You need to have an interest in how language is used in a wide variety of spoken and written texts, and a desire to analyse its usage critically and rigorously.

Whilst you will continue to develop the English Language and English Literature skills you learnt at GCSE you will also learn some completely different skills such as, reading literary texts whilst developing and applying your knowledge of literary analysis and evaluation. Your study will also be enhanced by paying close attention to the ways texts relate to each other and the contexts in which they are produced and received. You will study a wide range of genres and engage in substantial literary study. You need to read to succeed on this course, so an interest in reading and a willingness to read independently alongside the set class texts is essential.

Why choose this course?
You will be taught by excellent, highly qualified teachers who put students at the heart of the curriculum. You will find that your teachers are enthusiastic, approachable and encouraging. Taking English Language and Literature at A Level is a fantastic way to explore both language and literature. You will develop your own communication skills in both speech and writing which will make you a good candidate for University, thus increasing your employability.

Entry requirements:
A minimum of 3 x 5’s and 2 x 4’s at GCSE including a Grade 5 in English Language, a Grade 5 in Maths and a Grade 5 in another written subject.

What will this course lead on to?
Studying A Level English Language and Literature will open a wide range of career opportunities to you. Many employers look for potential employees with an A Level in English, as it shows that you have good communication skills. At degree level, you can choose to study English Lang/Lit or a whole range of courses which combine English with other subjects. Our students have become journalists, teachers, lawyers, English graduates progress to a wide range of careers.

What will I learn on this course?
You will develop the skills that you have learned at GCSE to a much higher level and become an expert in English Language and Literature. Your powers of analysis will be stretched and you will learn how to get the most out of a vast range of texts. For your first component, you will study Voices in Speech and Writing alongside a drama text; for component 2, you will study a wide range of non-fiction texts and two further literary texts. The third component is the Coursework unit (free choice of topic).

Enrichment Opportunities
You may choose to participate in a vast range of enrichment activities, whether they are English related or not! The English team offers the opportunity to participate in competitions (some of which have cash prizes) and to develop your creative writing skills – this may be entirely recreational, or may be linked to the courses you wish to take when you leave the College. You may also be part of our Prestigious University Programme or one of our Professional Programmes if you are identified as a high achiever.

How will I be assessed?
Short testing, written homework assignments, timed essays, mock examinations, group work, research tasks, a coursework folders in your second year (20%) and formal exams (80%).

Are there any costs associated with this course?
You will have to purchase some of the texts. The costs of the texts will be about £20 or less per year. If you participate in any trips – for example, theatre trips – you will have to pay for your ticket and for transport. We will try to keep those costs as low as possible, and if anyone has a genuine difficulty in paying for books or trips, we will try and find a way round this.

Facilities:
You will work in traditional classrooms as well as accessing our computer suites and our Library, and using iPads in some lessons.

What Cronton A Level students say?
“English Lang Lit has improved not only my English skills but my communication skills in general. I am now a more confident and creative student with the ability to analyse complex texts, using a wide range of vocabulary and terminology.” (Jess Robinson, Year 2 A Level English Language and Literature student)

The Cronton Experience:
During your time at Cronton Sixth Form College, you will have the opportunity to take part in a number of different enrichment activities in your free time. These will increase your enjoyment of your studies and equip you for further success. Click the image below for more information!