Course Live_AC_paperturn-3 - Flipbook - Page 27
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
AND LITERATURE
A Level
Combined English is a dynamic, exciting course for those
who feel they have enthusiasm and skill in both areas.
It involves examining literary texts to understand the
speaker or writer’s identity and how language works to
create a voice. The course enables you to study a range
of text-types, including fiction: novels, short stories and
plays. Nonfiction varieties include memoirs, articles, online
texts and conversational transcripts. There will also be
opportunities to create presentations, watch performances
of key texts on-screen or to visit theatre productions.
If you enjoy reading fiction and nonfiction, appreciate the
creative and analytical aspects of English work and have
a passion for the written and spoken word, this will be the
right course for you.
Please note, studying English at A Level is an invitation
to engage in and examine texts which can sometimes
include challenging and difficult topics.
COURSE CONTENT
THE COURSE CONSISTS OF TWO
EXAMS:
Paper 1: [40%]
Voices in Speech and Writing
This focuses on exploring an anthology of
text-types and one modern stage play.
Paper 2: [40%]
Varieties in Language and Literature
Theme: Society and the Individual. This
unit involves reading and exploring two
literary texts, as well as analysing a range of
nonfiction in preparation for responding to
an unseen text.
Coursework: [20%]
Investigating and Creating Texts
• Assignment 1: students produce two
pieces of original writing. ie one fiction
and one nonfiction text
• Assignment 2: an analytical commentary
reflecting on your own reading and the
texts you have produced
CAREER PATHWAYS
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
OTHER INFORMATION
English Language and Literature students
go on to a variety of degree courses,
including English Language and Linguistics,
Journalism, Education and Creative
Writing. The subject can lead to working in
journalism, PR, teaching, law, speech therapy
and any other career where the ability to
communicate and use language effectively
is valued. Other options available include:
Digital Copywriter, Editorial Assistant, Web
Content Manager, Librarian, Advertising
Account Executive, Arts Administrator,
Information Officer, Public Relations Officer.
Standard Advanced Level entry
requirements
Creative Writing
The English team at Varndean Sixth Form
College offers a weekly class for writers
run by published performance poet and
writer, Rachel Shorer. It is an extracurricular
activity open to all. Rachel leads workshops
on developing students’ skills in different
aspects of creative writing. Prose, poetry,
drama and script writing are all covered.
The English Literature Extension Class
The English Literature Extension Class is
an informal group, which meets every few
weeks to discuss texts and ideas not on the
course.
assessment
80% exam, 20% coursework
TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
Written competence and accuracy;
speaking and communication skills; the
ability to structure and organise arguments;
widened vocabulary; improved use and
grasp of grammar; analysis of texts; drafting
and editing; IT skills.
VA R N D E A N S I X T H F O R M C O L L E G E 2 0 2 6
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