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This course combines the analytical study of literature, non-fiction and spoken texts. It is the perfect choice for you if you have an interest in literature but would also like to study aspects of language in more depth. You will have the opportunity to develop skills in the analysis of language, literary concepts and your own creative writing in a variety of forms. This course involves reading and analysing a range of texts, including F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel ‘The Great Gatsby’, Shakespeare’s ‘Othello’ and Tennessee Williams’ ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’. You will also explore a range of non-fiction texts in a Voices Anthology, developing your linguistic skills. This A Level also includes a creative writing element for the ‘non-examined assessment’ unit where you produce fiction and non-fiction texts based on Alice Walker’s novel ‘The Color Purple’ and Maya Angelou’s autobiography ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’, with an accompanying commentary.
Five GCSES at grade 4 or above, including at least a grade 5 in English Language or Literature.
The course is taught over two years and comprises the following units:• Component One: ‘Voices’ Anthology and ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ (40% – assessed via exam)• Component Two: ‘The Great Gatsby’ and ‘Othello’ (40% – assessed via exam)• Component Three: Creative writing coursework (20% assessed via non- examined assessment)
Lesson activities are wide-ranging from debates and drama-based interpretation to creative writing, analysis and feedback. Students also have the opportunity to present on extracts and context alongside constructing creative responses such as wall displays. We also organise where possible a range of trips to see performances and to develop an understanding of context.
By examination (80%) at the end of the course and submission of coursework in the second year (20%).
Purchase of set texts (prescribed editions) £30.Optional trips from £20 each.
English Language and Literature is excellent preparation for any degree course that involves extensive analysis, essay writing and independent research, and will particularly prepare you for any English or linguistic degree.