A Level English Language & Literature

Course Code: SFAJE011

Course Level: Level 3

Study Mode: Full-Time

Course Type: A Levels and A+ Programmes

Course overview

Embark on a captivating exploration of language and literature with our A Level English Language and Literature course.

This interdisciplinary program combines the study of literary texts with linguistic analysis, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of how language functions in literature and society. Through close reading, critical analysis, and creative writing, students develop the skills to interpret texts, explore themes, and engage with complex ideas.

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The English Language and Literature specification offers students the chance to perform textual analysis in relation to both literary and non-literary texts as well as develop their own creative writing skills. The course includes a focus on poetry and drama, through Blake's Songs of Innocence and Experience and Tennessee Williams A Streetcar Named Desire. It also offers a chance to develop more contextually focused responses and creative readings using Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby as a central text.

Alongside the more literary elements students will also study a range of spoken and non-fiction texts, through the set anthology which aims to take in changing stylistic features over time.

The coursework element allows students to explore an aspect of narrative through a comparative analysis of Jeanette Winterson's Why Be Happy When You Can Be Normal and a post-2000 text of their own choice. It also allows them a chance to develop their own creative writing through writing on a topic of their choice in a non-fictional format.

This course combines well with other humanities based subjects, such as history, sociology, law, media, film studies and psychology.

A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 5 or above including maths and English Language, in subjects relevant to your A Level or A+ Programme subject choices.

The course is assessed via three examinations and two pieces of coursework:

Exploring non-fiction and spoken texts - 1 hour (16%)
The language of poetry and plays – 2 hours (32%)
Reading as a writer, writing as a reader – 2 hours (32%)
Comparative analysis (10%)
Writing creatively (10%)

If you wish to find out more you can contact Helen Blakeman, subject leader by emailing: helen.blakeman@nscg.ac.uk

Successful completion of the course gives you a qualification that is accepted for entry into Higher Education and is very useful for any courses with a high number of essay based assessments or creative elements. It will facilitate access to most courses, but can lead beyond the more obvious subject links to higher apprenticeships or degrees in areas such as journalist, marketing, copywriting, content editing, and education and media relations.

This course is free for anyone aged 16 – 18.

College Maintenance Allowance (CMA): Anyone with a gross household income under £30,000 can receive financial support to cover college related costs such as transport, meals, course equipment and uniform. Bursary support is based on individual circumstances and will be allocated to best suit your individual needs. A range of other financial support is available depending on your personal circumstances. For more details visit nscg.ac.uk/finance

100%

pass rate

87.1%

achieved A*-C in 2024

What else do I need to know?

There are regular trips and visiting speakers. We are developing strong links with Keele University, and have organised theatre trips and visits alongside wider cultural visits. There is also the opportunity to join in enrichment offers such as the book club and film clubs with showings of the relevant films held.

Think of what you're capable of. Then think beyond it.

Step up to a top university or move into a competitive programme like Medicine or Law with our Honours Programme. Perfect for ambitious and high-achieving students.

The Honours Programme is an additional pathway for students whose aspirations are to progress onto highly competitive courses at top universities, such as those in the Russell Group. Once accepted onto the programme, you’ll be expected to commit extra time every week to this intensive support pathway.

Find out more here

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