AS/A2 English Language & Literature

Why should I study English at Cardinal Newman College?
English is one of the most popular subject choices at Cardinal Newman. Our students' results match the best in the country, typically 65% grades A and B and 100% pass rate and there are three distinct syllabuses to choose from. While all three courses give you the chance to read and discuss a fantastic range of writing and the opportunity to write your own pieces, English Literature focuses on plays, poetry and novels, English Language looks at writing journalistic pieces, travel, fiction and spoken language and Combined English looks at elements of both.

You will also have the opportunity to take part in an exciting and extensive enrichment programme including a debating society, literary society and the College magazine. There are also visits to the theatre including the National Theatre, The Globe and the Lowry to see plays such as plays 'Much Ado About Nothing' and Chaucers 'The Canterbury Tales' as well as inspirational guest speakers and a myriad other enrichment opportunities to enjoy.

What skills will I need?
for this course you'll need:

· An English Language and English Literature GCSE at grade 'C' or above

· An interest in reading, discussing and analysing how words work in a wide variety of texts

· An interest in creating texts of your own for specific audiences and purposes

· A willingness to work hard and involve yourself in classroom activities
Studying English Language & Literature
If you're interested in both English Language and English Literature, you've got two choices - you can take them both separately as two A Levels, or you can take them both as one A Level; the English Language & Literature combined course.

This course gives you the chance to study novels and poetry in the same way a Literature course does, so you'll be given the chance to study a range of literary texts but it also allows you to build your creative writing skills. You'll have a go at writing short stories, magazine articles, speeches, reviews and an advertising campaign and you'll also be encouraged to assess and analyse your own work, so you can explain the language choices that you've made.

The modules involved are:

· Module One: is poetry and prose. You'll study a collection of poetry in an anthology, examining how language is used and exploring the themes and ideas. You'll also study two prose texts, at least one of which will be a novel.

· Module Two: is coursework. You'll practice a variety of written styles and have a go at writing reviews, stories, speeches and articles. Your coursework portfolio will be three pieces of writing with a 'commentary' which explains the language choices you have made.