This balanced course brings together some skills from the study of English Language and some from the study of English Literature. You will combine literary and linguistic approaches in your interpretation and creation of texts. The literary strand gives you the chance to engage creatively and critically with a wide range of texts, including Renaissance drama and Victorian poetry. You will explore the influence of the contexts where the writers worked and discuss the texts’ impact on different readerships. The linguistic strand explores planned and spontaneous speech and considers how personal experience is presented in contemporary autobiography.

Being a keen reader who enjoys discussing texts, you will be supported in gaining the specialist terminology and concepts which will give you a precise language to express your understanding.

The examined components extend skills developed at GCSE, such as textual analysis, in further depth and breadth. The non-exam assessment component provides an opportunity for you to develop reflective skills and deepen your enjoyment as a producer and interpreter of language, through its focus on independent research, drafting and editing.

How will I be assessed?

Component 1: Poetry and Prose - open text exam following the study of an Anthology of pre1914 poetry and a novel.

Component 2: Drama - closed text exam following the study of a Shakespeare play and a play written after 1900.

Component 3: Non-Literary Texts ~ unseen extracts exam following the study of spoken English; closed text exam based on the study of a non-literary text.

Component 4: Non-exam assessment ~ 3,500 words. Critical study of a prose genre and also 2 pieces of individual creative writing related to that genre.

What do I need?

You will need GCSEs with 2 grade 6s and 3 grade 5s including a grade 6 in English Language and a grade 5 in English Literature. Retaking GCSE Maths as part of your programme is required if you do not have grade 4.

Where can it take me?

You can progress to an exciting range of higher level courses, including Teaching. Alternatively, a degree in a related subject, such as English Language, English Literature, Creative Writing, Journalism, Media Screen Writing, Teaching, Humanities, Performing Arts, Law, Business, Marketing or Counselling, is an option.

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