AS/A Level English Language & Literature
- Graig Campus
Whether you enjoy debating how the world of literature shapes our way of thinking; discussing how writers have developed techniques and mastered the use of the English language, or understanding the contextual factors that have helped influence a text, an A-level in English language and literature is for you.
We study a wide variety of different texts across the two years, ranging from non-fiction works, to the classic elements of poetry and drama. English language and literature is a facilitating subject into an array of university degrees and career paths, including journalism, creative and biographical writing, law, lecturing, curating and teaching.
Course details
- Full time
- Face-to-Face
Admin Fee: £25
What you will learn
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Programme Features
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Programme content
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Progression and employment
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Method of assessment
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Entry requirements
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Additional costs
This course will give you a grounding in the technical aspects of language study; improving the precision of students’ own writing and their confidence in using and discussing particular language features. There is a significant creative writing component at both AS and A2 and we spend time analysing successful strategies and literary techniques to aid progression and success at A-level.
In English@CSG, we provide a range of practical activities and external visits to encourage students’ active participation and to provide a stimulus for their own writing. Fifty percent of the course is based on literary texts, so students extend their acquaintance with poetry, drama and prose texts. The course combines well with other humanities subjects, but is also useful for science students who need to continue to develop their communication skills. Other combinations work very well with English language and literature, particularly the study of foreign languages and media and film studies.
AS Level
In AS level/year one, you will study the process and importance of comparative analysis within creative writing, whilst honing the skills needed to create original works. Your critical thinking skills and literary analysis are developed through the study of non-literary texts and drama which can help you to develop wider and more sophisticated skills in your writing.
A2 Level
In second year studies, we look critically at a Shakespeare text and further develop your prose and poetry skills in analysing unseen texts. There is a coursework element, worth 20% of your overall A-level providing you with the opportunity to work more independently and critically engage with a genre you are interested in. This piece of work is completed internally, but moderated externally.
Recent English students have successfully progressed into careers and university degrees in law, journalism, copy-writing, translations, politics and teaching. A recent A-level student of this subject progressed to Cardiff University, to pursue a career in law. The skills and knowledge they developed and obtained during their English studies greatly helped them gain a position in the Senedd in Cardiff Bay, assisting members of parliament. They attributed their success in a very competitive field to their ability to communicate effectively and think critically about the world around them - skills they learned in English@CSG.
Assessment takes the form of written examinations and a coursework portfolio.
At AS, the examinations focus on the analysis of poetry and unseen texts, combined with the creative writing element in unit one. Students are also required to write detailed commentaries in which they explore the choices of form, structure and language they have made. In unit two, the exams will assess your knowledge and understanding of the drama and non-literary text you have studied.
Coursework is completed in the second year of study. This includes independent writing and research through a critical genre study. Here, students get the opportunity to engage with a genre they are interested in, producing a comparative essay and piece of creative writing of the same genre. Exams in year two consist of a Shakespeare paper for unit three and a comparative analysis of unseen texts, and an essay on a prose text we have studied throughout the year in unit four.
A minimum of six GCSEs at grades A*-C To include: GCSE English Language and English Literature at B grade or above.
All learners are required to pay an administration fee of £25 prior to enrolment.
You will need to provide your own stationery and may also incur costs if the department arranges educational visits.