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English Language & Literature A Level is perfect if you are passionate about all aspects of English. This course inspires a love of reading, analysing and writing, both creatively and in non-fiction forms. You'll study texts from a range of genres, including F S Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby' (prose), Tennessee Williams' Pulitzer Prize-winning play 'A Streetcar Named Desire', Jeanette Winterson's memoir 'Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal?', and William Blake's 'Songs of Innocence and Experience'. As you explore these texts, you'll learn new literary and linguistic terminology, applying analytical concepts and frameworks to a range of writing. You'll also study an anthology of spoken and written texts to evaluate how context, audience and purpose influence writers' choices. With two independent coursework pieces to complete, you'll develop excellent time management and organisational skills while learning to work to deadlines. An A Level in English Language & Literature is highly respected by universities and valued by employers for developing confident, 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 policitcal speeches to diary entries.
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 How to Say Babylon by Saffiyah SInclair and My Name is Why by Lemn Sissay.
Entry Requirements
At least five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, all from the core subjects, including Grade 5s in GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature.
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 (1 hour)
Component 2: The language of poetry and plays (2 hours)
Component 3: Reading as a writer, writing as a reader (2 hours)
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. Where there are performances of our core texts, we run trips if possible.
Are there any costs involved?
You should expect some small costs for course texts, booklets and stationery.
Cirencester College offer a Bursary Scheme which may cover some of the these costs. Further information can be found under Financial Support.
Device Requirements
COURSE_DEVICE
If you already own a device that meets the technical requirements of your course, you are welcome to bring it with you to college.
If not, more information on a convenient rental and help-to-buy scheme designed specifically for Cirencester College students is linked below.
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
Will I get lots of essays to write?
Yes. As well as written work in class to consolidate learning, you will do a series of key assessment tasks (essays) which we grade and offer feedback on.
The NEA component (3000 words) also requires careful drafting, editing and refining. Please note that there are strict rules around the use of AI, and teachers can only offer feedback advice on one NEA draft (but cannot specify what you should do).
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
