A Level English Language & Literature

Applications Open: - 01/09/2025

Applications Close: - 31/08/2026

Entry Requirements: - Please see our website - dependent on courses https://leighutcdartford.org.uk/post-16/

How to Apply: - Please apply by completing the form on our website. We will contact you to arrange to discuss your subject choices for Post 16

Regardless of what you want to study after Sixth Form, English provides you with the skills to critically read, respond to, and produce texts. Studying English improves open-mindedness, intercultural understanding and communication, all crucial in our modern world.

Designed with a focus on the integration of language and literature, this specification enables students to see how linguistic and literary methods are related and to explore these links in their work.

Offering clear skills progression from GCSE, this course allows students to build on the skills and knowledge already gained and prepare for their next steps.The variety of assessment styles used, such as re-creative writing, commentary writing, discursive essays and research-based investigative writing, allows students to develop a wide range of skills. These include the ability to read critically, analyse, evaluate and undertake independent research, which are invaluable for both further study and future employment.

As English creates skilled communicators, critical thinkers, and empathic team workers, the skills and habits developed in this course are relevant across a huge variety of sectors. English is a perfect complementary subject for any career path.

Our English Language and Literature A-Level course is designed in a way that allows students to think about the world around them and how this is explored through literary and non-literary works that cross time and space.

The course consists of seven components, each focusing on a different theme. These themes include imagined worlds, poetic voices and dramatic encounters. The course offers the study of a range of exciting texts, including literary classics (Frankenstein, The Handmaid’s Tale), renowned poets (Carol Ann Duffy, Robert Browning) and exciting dramatic texts (A Streetcar Named Desire, Othello).

The course is assessed with two written exams, and a non-exam assessment which is marked ‘coursework style’ by the teacher. The course is linear, meaning all exams are sat at the end of the course.

Minimum of 5 9-5 grades in GCSE examinations including English Literature and Language, and Maths

Future courses and possible careers: Journalism, Law, Publishing, Media, Teaching, Advertising, Public relations, Authorial writing via Degree Apprenticeships, Undergraduate Degree or Employment