English Language and English Literature

English Language and English Literature

Why study English Language ?

English Language A Level is highly regarded by universities because it demonstrates that you can organise sound arguments which are relevant and logically presented and that you have highly developed analytical skills.

English Language will help you to understand and enjoy the English Language in all its different styles and forms. It focuses more on non-literary texts from journalism, advertising, conversations and a wide range of documents that are written to inform us or give us instructions and advice.

What will I study and how will I be assessed?
AS
We begin with an introduction to the study of language, where you will be analysing a wide variety of short written and spoken texts and learning the terminology to help you describe them. We then move on to studying the ways in which language works within society; here we look at how language is affected by issues such as technology, occupation, gender, power and region. The Coursework unit gives you the opportunity to create a folder of your own Original Writing.

Unit 1 Categorising Texts (Exam). This is worth 60% of the AS Level; 30% of the A Level.

Unit 2 Creating Texts (Coursework). This is worth 40% of the AS Level; 20% of the A Level.

A2
You will be building on the skills of analysis developed in your AS year. The coursework option gives you the chance to investigate any area of language which might have interested you in the first year. We finish the course by exploring how the English Language has changed over the centuries (and is still changing) and how children acquire their language skills.

Unit 3 Investigating Language (Coursework). This is worth 20% of the A Level.

Unit 4 Developing Language (Exam). This is worth 30% of the A Level.

Does English Language link particularly well with other subjects?
English Language links well with a wide variety of other subjects. A typical student who studies English Language might also be studying History, Sociology, Psychology, Art, English Literature, P.E., or Health and Social Care, for example. Where might it lead me? English Language is relevant to a wide range of educational courses and careers. It is a good preparation for any course with a linguistic element, and for careers in which knowledge of, and a sensitivity to, language will be required. Students who have studied A Level English have gone into careers such as journalism, teaching and social work, to name a few.

GCSE ENGLISH
This is a one-year course. You must have a Grade D in GCSE Language. You will be assessed in the following areas:

• Speaking and Listening Coursework 20%


• Reading and Writing Coursework 20%


• Examination 60%

November Entry
It may be possible to enter for the November Examination. As the entries have to be submitted by the second week in September, your teachers are not in a position to offer you any firm advice about whether you should enter or not. You will have to make your own judgement. Two things to bear in mind: you may have to carry over Coursework marks and you will have to pay the Boards entry fee.

The College pays for your summer entry.

Why study English Literature?
English Literature A Level is highly regarded by universities because it demonstrates that you can organise sound arguments, which are relevant and logically presented, and that you have highly developed critical and analytical skills. English Literature explores those texts that are generally thought of as art poems, plays and novels. It is a course well suited to individuals who read for pleasure and who enjoy discussing what they read.

What are the entry requirements?
We expect students to have achieved at least a grade B in English Language at GCSE. We do not insist that you have English Literature at GCSE. What will I study and how will it be assessed? In English Literature you will study a range of poetry, prose and drama from different time periods.

AS
At AS Level you will take two units.

Unit 1 involves the study of poetry and drama. You will explore how the writer develops characters and themes.

Unit 2 is the Coursework unit. For this you will study a variety of texts and write one essay and one creative piece. You will be able to choose which aspect of the texts to write about and negotiate the title of your essay and creative piece with your teacher.

For Unit 1 you will sit a two and a half hour paper. It is worth 60% of the AS; 30% of the A Level.

Unit 2 is the Coursework unit. It is worth 40% of the AS; 20% of the A Level.

A2
At A2 Level you will take two further units.

Unit 3 involves the study of three texts of different genres. You will write one extended essay comparing these texts.

Unit 4 focuses on Shakespeare and poetry. You will study three texts including at least one Shakespeare play and some poems written before 1800 and answer two questions in the exam.

Unit 3 is the coursework unit. It is worth 20% of the A Level.
For Unit 4 you will sit a two and a half hour paper. It is worth 30% of the A Level.

Does English Literature link well with other subjects?
Traditionally English Literature has been seen as an ideal subject to take with other essay based subjects like History, Politics and Law. Actually, students taking English Literature at Sir John Deanes take a wide variety of subjects including Performing Arts and the Natural Sciences.

Where might it lead me?
Former English Literature students have gone on to study a very wide range of subjects at University. In addition to English and related subjects, our students have read for degrees in such subjects as Anthropology and Archaeology, Law, Criminology, Modern Languages, Psychology, Theatre, Film and Television, to name a few. English Literature is an interesting and highly valued course that will open up a wide range of possibilities for the future.