Can’t decide on Language or Literature? This is a wide-ranging English course with opportunities for original writing alongside the study of spoken language, literary and non-literary texts. Lively participation in class activities, workshops and debates and a willingness to enjoy writing tasks will be important factors in your success. The main focus is how language creates and shapes meanings in all the texts studied.

Students studying three A Levels will be expected to have a minimum of two GCSEs at grade 6 and three GCSEs at grade 5/4, including English Language and Mathematics at grade 5/4 or above. Or eight GCSEs at a minimum of grade 5.

Topics studied include:

• Remembered places

• Imagined worlds

• Poetic voices

• Writing about society

• Critical commentary

• Dramatic encounters

• Making connections (coursework) 

You will learn to understand and analyse how English communicates in a variety of contexts. In this combined course the traditional skills of literature are integrated with the modern language approach to extend your reading and writing skills over a much wider range of different audiences, purposes, forms and styles in addition to the academic essay. In developing these skills, there is scope for creative writing and learning from materials of your own choice.

This combined course also extends the analysis skills learned in studying set texts in drama, prose and poetry into non-literary areas such as journalism, radio and television interviews, documentary, magazines and even conversation.

In the modern world the spoken word is as important as written style and so the concept of ‘voice’ in writing or speech is central to our study. Literary texts include: A Streetcar Named Desire, The Great Gatsby and The Poetry of Carol Ann Duffy.

There are two exams, one for each module: 

Paper 1: Telling Stories (40%)
Paper 2: Exploring Conflict (40%)
Non-exam assessment: Making Connections (20%)

You will also produce an investigation into the language of literary and non-literary texts.

Exam Board: AQA

There is an expectation to complete a one-week work placement in the Summer term. You will have the opportunity to attend theatre trips, journalism workshops and university trips. You will also be able to attend day placements at schools.

The Department of English & Modern Foreign Languages is well-resourced, has highly qualified teachers who are also examiners, and achieves excellent results.

You can expect:

• Interesting and thought-provoking topics 

• Expert teaching and assessment

• Lively classroom discussion

• Friendly guidance

• Optional extra lessons

• Theatre, cinema and TV studio trips

• An enjoyable atmosphere

• High progression rates to university

This combined course is useful for demonstrating breadth of skill in English and could lead directly to degree courses in teaching, journalism, writing and advertising. A high level command of English is a required skill in many career pathways. This qualification is highly valued by both employers and universities.

Books will be provided by the department, although some coursework texts may be purchased by students.