This subject is designed to appeal to students who enjoy the study of language and are seeking to explore the nature and functions of language, how its key constituent parts have developed under the influence of a variety of contextual factors and how these changes may be analysed and evaluated creatively.
Texts you will study include drama such as A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams; poetry from a selection by Carol Ann Duffy; novels such as The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood and The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini; and a large selection of non-fiction writing taken from an anthology of writing based on Paris.
To enjoy and be successful in this course, you need to be willing to read a wide range of texts and be interested in exploring the detail of texts, using a linguistic framework approach. You will be interested in exploring how writers present ideas about place and how the theme of conflict is presented.
You will engage with a wide range of learning activities whichever English course you decide to do, including group discussions, independent study, presentations and research projects. We aim to provide a varied and rich curriculum and encourage all students to participate in enrichment opportunities offered, including theatre trips, visits, workshops and visiting speakers.
All courses follow a two-year linear specification. The exams at the end of two years are worth 80% of the A-level and all students are required to submit a coursework element which is worth 20% of the A-level. You will be assessed formally and informally over the two years through terminology tests, analytical essays, presentations, discussions, and creative writing pieces.
You will work from booklets, shared resources on Teams, worksheets and textbooks. Online platforms are also used to support your learning. You will be expected to purchase your own set texts. Support may be available to buy texts through the College bursary. You can expect to spend about £25 - £40 on your set texts if you are studying English Literature or English Language and Literature and around £27 for a text book for English Language (many of the books are available second hand). You will also need to budget for stationery, equipment and educational visits.
English studies combine well with a wide range of other subjects. Through studying English, you develop high quality communication skills and all courses offer you the opportunity to develop your skills of critical analysis. These skills are highly transferable and support a wide range of progression routes, whether in higher education or in employment.
There are no course charges, but there is an expectation that students who are able to afford to buy their own text books should do so. If theatre trips and educational visits are arranged, these will also need to be paid for.