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English Language & Literature A-level is perfect for students passionate about all aspects of English. This course inspires a love of reading, analysing, and writing both written and spoken words. You'll apply linguistic concepts to poems and literary tools to adverts, exploring a wide variety of texts. We value all language forms, from online blogs to published novels, and emphasise the importance of reading and writing skills. Following Philip Pullman's advice to "Read like a butterfly, write like a bee," you'll engage in creative writing and gain versatile reading skills. Our students have excelled in national writing competitions, and an English A-level is highly respected in higher education and valued by employers for developing effective communicators.
What will I study in English Language & Literature A-level?
You will study a wide range of texts from different genres. We will cover fictional writing in the three forms of poetry, prose and drama, as well as non-fictional written and spoken texts.
Our set texts are:
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (novel)
A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams (drama)
Songs of Innocence and Experience by William Blake (poetry)
Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? by Jeanette Winterson (non-fiction memoir)
Students will be given a copy of the Anthology of Texts published by the exam board (OCR). The Anthology includes a wide variety of shorter texts, ranging from autobiography in graphic form (comic strip) to a transcript of Dizzee Rascal speaking on Newsnight.
Students will also study the writer's craft and learn how to produce high quality fictional writing in the form of narrative prose (a story) as well as non-fiction pieces such as blogs, memoirs and speeches.
Excitingly, students are permitted to select one 'free-choice' text (pending agreement from the exam board) to study for the NEA (non-examined assessment) Component. Recent choices have included titles such as Normal People by Sally Rooney and My Name is Why by Lemn Sissay.
Entry Requirements
5+ GCSEs at Grade 4 or above from the core subjects, including Maths and Grade 5 in English Language.
A Grade 5 in English Literature is also recommended.
How will I learn?
Lessons in the English department are varied, engaging and designed to suit all students' needs. We read and discuss set texts in pairs, groups and as a whole class. There is always at least a short piece of writing to do in every lesson, an activity we use to ensure everyone is progressing and improving. Independent learning is encouraged, particularly with the NEA (coursework) component which we begin at the end of Year 1. Assessments take the form of written essays, creative fiction and non-fiction writing. You will be expected to read and research the set texts outside of class.
How will I be assessed?
The course is assessed by examination (80%) and NEA (20%).
The 3 examined components are as follows:
Component 1: Exploring non-fiction and spoken texts
Component 2: The language of poetry and plays
Component 3: Reading as a writer, writing as a reader
The NEA, or non-examined assessment (formerly known as coursework) is assessed internally and moderated by OCR:
Component 4: Independent study: analysing and producing texts.
Any trips?
Theatre visits are arranged. Our next trip is to see The Taming of the Shrew at The Globe Theatre in London.
Are there any costs involved?
You should expect some small costs for course texts, booklets and stationery.
Cirencester College offers a Bursary Scheme which may cover some of these costs. Further information can be found under Financial Support.
FAQs
I am worried about the jump from GCSE to A Level. Will I cope with the new challenges?
All new students take part in induction lessons for the first 3 weeks of the Autumn Term. The focus is on refreshing your memories of English Language & Literature GCSE and a gradual introduction to A Level work. We allow the students to set the pace at the beginning. Teachers are friendly and approachable, so you can always let us know how you are finding the course at the start.
Does English Language & Literature A Level count as one A Level?
Yes, it does. We offer 3 A Level options in the English department and they each count as one A Level:
English Language & Literature
English Literature
English Language
Awarding Body
OCR
Available As
A Level
[56 UCAS pts. available]
[56 UCAS pts. available]
Add to Application
What can I do after I have taken this course?
Available As
A Level
[56 UCAS pts. available]
[56 UCAS pts. available]
Add to Application
DO NOT DELETE OR EDIT THIS ROW OR ITS CONTENTS
What the students say
”The course is so well rounded; the books and anthology are very interesting and are very different making the course super interesting at all time.
Alice Baker
