English Language and Literature
Language and Literature explores how we communicate with others in different ways: speech, advertising, online and through novels, plays and poems. Dig deeper into how humans communicate who they are and what they believe.
Our Curriculum
ELLA (English Language and Literature) takes an analytical and logical approach to examining different types of texts. The Literature element allows the engaging conversations that explore the motivations of characters, writers and producers. Important human topics are debated at the same time as investigating, in depth, the methods used with a wide range of new terminology. In this A-level, there is also an opportunity to develop creative writing skills.
Content
The English Language and Literature A level consists of the following content:
Year 1
Analysis and Linguistics: An anthology of a wide range of texts (written, spoken and other) based on Paris.
Literary and Linguistic analysis of genre: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Analysis of Poetic Form: An anthology of Seamus Heaney’s poetry
Coursework: Making connections between a literary and non-literary text.
Year 2
Continuing Coursework: Making connections between a literary and non-literary text.
Writing Skills: The Great Gatsby-- Recreating an extract of The Great Gatsby using your creative writing skills.
Shakespeare and how conflict is created: Othello
Exam Board and Specification
Exam board: AQA
Exam specification: English Language and Literature 7707
Entry Requirements
Please see the entry requirements document here
Is This Course Right For Me?
English Language and Literature is the perfect combination of the intense and rewarding reading experience of a Literature course and the technical and theoretical approach of a Language course. It will develop your skills in exploring and evaluating texts of all genres (including non-fiction), whilst also developing a technical approach to studying spoken and written language theories. The course is structured around prescribed and wider reading; dedication to which is paramount to your success. The examinations are a combination of closed and open book and there is the opportunity to be both analytical and creative. You will need to be committed to the rigours of the course and have a keen interest in how texts are constructed as well as a love of reading and interest in discourse and grammar.
Please watch our short video to see what studying English Language and Literature at Guilsborough Sixth Form is like.
INSERT VIDEO
English allows me to write freely and impose my own style on the work whilst also learning about brilliant books, plays and poems.
Dan, Year 12 Student
I enjoy being able to debate alternative viewpoints within the class on a certain passage or quote and hear other people's thoughts.
Emily, Year 12 student
There is a more logical and scientific approach using loads of terminology in English Lang/Lit which suits my logical mind.
Anon
Where will A Level English Language and Literature take me past Sixth Form?
CAREERS
Careers after your English Language and Literature A-level are many and varied. However, this course is particularly suited to people interested in working in any field that involves communication (which is almost any career!).
This course is suitable for students wishing to read English or English Literature. Students might also progress in to publishing, creative, screen or script writing, teaching, journalism or theoretical studies. It is also a very strong complementary subject for students wishing to read History, Law or Drama and any university course that will include extensive essay writing. Many science courses also like students who can articulate themselves clearly in an essay format. This A Level will add considerable weight and value to any UCAS, apprenticeship or employment application.
UNIVERSITY
English A-levels can lead to a variety of degree level courses, including: politics, history, performing arts, media (in all its forms), journalism, creative writing, management, geography, psychology, sociology, policing. It is compatible with many subjects because its focus is on peoples’ (or characters’) behaviour, their motivations and how they communicate.
University of Oxford - English requires AAA
University of Loughborough - BA Hons English or various joint honours including English with History, Drama or Sports Science requires AAB (A in English)
University of Northampton - BA Hons English requires typically BCC
De Montfort University - BA Hons English Language and Literature requires112 points from at least 2 A levels and including grade C or above in English Language or Literature
Aberystwyth University - BA Hons Creative Writing requires BBB to BCC
Kingston University - BA Hons Filmmaking: UCAS tariff points requires 112-128
Level 3 qualifications, including art and design subjects (A-levels, BTEC Diploma, Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, Access Diploma, IB Diploma, etc.).