English Language and Literature by Ms Charlene Williams
If you take a moment to think about it, language and literature are interlaced throughout every aspect of our lives. You sit reading the news on your phone while drinking your morning coffee. On your way to school, you pass a billboard with an extremely witty slogan and mull over how simple yet effective the message was. Throughout your day you’ll talk with friends and teachers, perhaps changing the tone and topic of conversation depending on whom you are talking with and the situation. Without realising, you have been using - and being exposed to - language in different forms, modes, and contexts.
Literature provides a lens into the many facets of human experience and condition: it is through the study of English that we truly get a window into humanity. So, in the words of F Scott Fitzgerald: “That is part of the beauty of all literature. You discover that your longings are universal longings, that you’re not lonely and isolated from anyone. You belong.”
Studying English Language and Literature allows you to develop a knowledge of literary history, theory, and criticism, and enhances your understanding of a wide range of cultures and intellectual traditions, through the study of seminal texts. However, it also helps to develop transferable skills that are highly sought by a wide range of employers.
Why Study English Language and Literature?
During an English Language and Literature course, students scrutinise and debate how voice is crafted in speech and a variety of texts, as well as acquire knowledge of literary movements, periods and critical approaches that have shaped the way we view literature today. When you choose to study English Language and Literature at A Level, you will develop comprehensive written and spoken communication skills, becoming adept at arguing a point, framing a narrative, and analysing various levels of meaning.
Overview of the course
This course is a comprehensive and stimulating introduction to the English language and literature. It investigates how the English language is used in a variety of modes and contexts, including novels, poetry, drama texts and non-fiction writing.
Component 1
Voices in speech and writing: Students will study how voice is crafted in speech and writing using an anthology of literary and non-literary texts and one drama text. Students are assessed on two questions in an examination: one comparative essay on an unseen extract and one from the anthology: one extract-based essay question on A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams.
Component 2
Varieties in Language and Literature: Students will study two texts within the theme of Society and the Individual; one compulsory prose text (The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald) and one other literary text (The Whitsun Weddings by Philip Larkin). Students are assessed on two questions in an examination: one essay question on an unseen prose non-fiction extract linked to the theme Society and the Individual: one comparative essay question on the prose text and the other literary text from the theme
Non-examination assessment
Investigating and Creating Texts: Students will write three pieces of coursework following the independent study of two separate texts of the same theme: a piece of creative fiction (e.g., prose, drama, poetry) inspired by the chosen texts; a piece of non-fiction (e.g., review, article, travel writing); a reflective commentary on the creative process.
Beyond A Level
Although there is no one industry which takes precedence, English students are often found where strong communication and written skills are required, which are top priorities in a range of careers including advertising, acting, publishing, teaching, librarianship, public relations, journalism, the legal professions, management consultancy and finance This A level also has a long, credible history and that is something which employers’ value.
Entry Requirements
To undertake A Level, you should have achieved GCSE grade 6 in English Language and/or English Literature. An interest in the power of the English language and enjoyment in reading, discussing, and analysing different styles of literature would be very beneficial.
Technical Details
Exam Board: Edexcel
Qualification Type: A level
Course Title: English language and Literature
Specification Code: 9EL0
External Exams (end of Year 13): 2 exams; 2h 30 min each, 40% each
Non-examination assessment: 2 assessments, 4 and 6 weeks respectively, 20%
Link: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/english-language-and-literature-2015.html