English Language & Literature

This course is a traditional A Level and relies on written rather than practical methods.

Coursework is 20% of the course with exam texts making up the rest (80%)   Coursework is a creative writing folder whereby students chose a theme and write a fiction and non-fiction piece influenced by wider reading they have done that links to their chosen theme.  They also have to complete a critical commentary where they address their own work and evaluate the impact of their wider reading.

The course has two other modules.

Paper 1  Voices
In the first year students study an anthology of non fiction texts which they compare with an unseen text.  This is the first part of the Voices Exam. The second part (taught in the A2 year) is a study of an American play All My Sons by Arthur Miller.  Students have to analyse an extract in the exam for Section A and also link the extract to the wider play.  Key historical contexts are also addressed and the students study theories of tragedy for this part of the unit – ranging from Aristotle, to Hegel and Arthur Miller.

Paper 2 Varieties in English Lang / Literature 
Across both years students compare the gothic novel “Dracula” to a selection of poems by Christina Rossetti.  They link the texts through the theme of crossing boundaries which is the over-arching theme for Paper 2.  Again key contexts are addressed such as the changing position of women, fear of invasion and the impact of new technology in Victorian Britain.  Students also consider how both texts tap into societal anxieties at the time both texts were written.  In year 2 students also study non-fiction texts on the theme of crossing boundaries in preparation for Paper 2 Section A.

Students also create a varied portfolio of creative writing during their study of English Language and Literature Combined.

Paper 1

Voices

Paper 2

Varieties in English Language + Literature

  • Analysis
  • Close reading
  • Comparison
  • Synthesising
  • Development of an individual line of enquiry

Proficiency in writing an analytical response  

Ability to verbalise thoughts in an articulate manner. 

Being able to undertake independent and sustained study. 

Ability to use the terminology of the course and apply subject specific knowledge and concepts across a range of texts.

Being able to deconstruct questions or tasks to ensure thorough understanding

To apply knowledge to unfamiliar questions.

To solve problems through logical thinking.

To demonstrate sound knowledge and understanding.

Being able to present a reasoned and logical argument and investigating, interpreting and analysing information given.

Teaching, Journalism, Publishing, Legal profession, Nursing.

English Degree

English has so many transferable skills it is a vital prerequisite for any career / uni course because of the literacy, organisational, and oracy skills it promotes.

20 % coursework

80% Exam

Theatre trips, guest speakers, trips to Manchester University

Ashton Explore  Book Club and Writer’s Hub