Faculty of English

English and English Literature

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Guide to A Level English Language and Literature (Edexcel)

Minimum recommended entry requirements:

Grade B in GCSE English and Grade B in GCSE English Literature

Advanced Subsidiary (AS)

The first year of this two-year course combines the study of language and literature in three units of work. The first unit focuses on the spoken word and includes a study of one or more set plays and a range of spoken utterances from conversation to speeches. Students’ understanding of the key features of spoken English is tested in a two-hour examination. Unit two is a coursework option – the study of the short story. Students will read a wide range of short stories throughout the course and will respond in one of two ways: an analytical essay or a short story of their own. The final unit is called the desk study. Students will read and analyse a range of texts in advance of the examination and will then be called on to produce new material for a specific audience and a specific purpose during the 2 hour examination. This will test skills of summary, comprehension, editing and re-designing.

Advanced Level (A2)

A further three units of work will be studied, building on the skills of the first year. Unit 4 is coursework and offers the opportunity to write creatively and independently, demonstrating an understanding of different forms and genres of writing, and an awareness of audience and purpose. Unit 5 is a Wider Reading unit and includes the study of poetry, prose or drama. A total of two texts will be studied offering the students the opportunity to look at both modern and classic texts. A two-hour open book examination is designed to test the students’ understanding of the material. The final unit is the synoptic unit, the most demanding of all, and is a study of genre. This will test reading skills by requiring pupils to write analytically about the contrasting materials.

In both years you will be taught to think critically and to evaluate a variety of texts. You will be encouraged to write in new styles and forms and to evaluate personal writing. Wider reading is vital to support the study of literature and attendance at the theatre and conferences is encouraged where appropriate. There is, of course, a financial implication to this.

Students are likely to opt for this course if they enjoy the creative and personal writing aspects of GCSE English. A serious love of reading and discussion is necessary if they are to benefit fully from the course. There is a large amount of linguistic study in this course and for anyone who is interested in the way our language is structured or for those choosing MFL courses, this English course is ideal. Those studying Psychology, Sociology or History find that English offers a good contrast.

Following the study of English, students may wish to apply to university to read English (linguistics) or Media Studies. However, a good grade in English will support any application to a Humanities or Arts based course.

Guide to A Level English Literature (Edexcel)

Minimum recommended entry requirements:

Grade B in GCSE English and Grade B in GCSE English Literature

The study of literature at this level involves a wide range of independent reading in addition to the detailed study of particular texts. The emphasis is on developing an informed personal response based on understanding of the ways writers communicate and the world in which they lived. To this end you will be expected to undertake research and to prepare work independently beyond the allocated lesson time. Wherever possible students will be encouraged to go to the theatre to see performances of their set texts and where appropriate to attend conferences. Students should consider the cost that these opportunities inevitably entail.

Advanced Subsidiary (AS)

In the first year of the course students will follow three units. These will comprise drama and poetry (unit1), pre-1900 prose (unit 2) and Shakespeare (unit 3). Assessment through coursework (unit 3) and final examinations will take place at the end of the first year.

Advanced Level (A2)

In the second year a further three units of study are undertaken at a higher level. These units include twentieth century prose (unit 4), poetry and drama (unit 5) and criticism and comparison (unit 6 – synoptic unit). Unit 4 is assessed through coursework and unit 6 will entail an assessment of knowledge and skills gained throughout the two years.

If you are considering reading English Literature at University, you will opt for this course. For those students who are undecided, English Literature offers an excellent coverage of writing skills, both analytical and creative, and the emphasis on class discussion will ensure that all students develop effective oral communication skills. All students, however, will need to possess a love of reading, a keen interest in analysis and the willingness to discuss ideas freely in class. Those studying History, a Modern Foreign Language, Sociology or Psychology will find that English Literature offers a good contrast.

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