English Language and Literature A Level

English Language and Literature A Level

English aims to develop your awareness of the ways we communicate: how people talk, and how authors write for different purposes and audiences.

You will be asked to demonstrate this awareness by your response to a variety of literary and non-literary texts, as well as through the skills you acquire in your own writing.

You will study a range of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and drama in different styles, and from different periods.

Your tutors will guide your approach to the texts, ensuring your understanding, and developing your skills of analysis and judgement, through a variety of teaching methods. You will study text using integrated literary and linguistic approaches.

With the emphasis on your own contribution, we aim to build your recognition of effective presentation, logical argument, persuasion, and lucid, fluent expression, and to encourage you to practise this in your own writing.

We will look at the way writers communicate their ideas in a variety of forms, including newspapers, letters, television, the theatre, speeches and advertisements.

Whilst care has been taken to ensure that information is correct at time of going to press, national changes to all

subjects mean that the exact content is not guaranteed.

Regular reading of newspapers is essential for you to develop an awareness of current affairs and attitudes in society.

Entry requirements

In order to be considered for an A Level programme of study, you will need to obtain a minimum of five GCSEs at a grade 4/C or above. Specific entry requirements for this course are detailed below.

You should have at least a grade 4 or GCSE Grade C in English Language and English Literature, with one of those grades being a 5 or higher.

You should enjoy reading, and welcome the chance to read extensively in literature, newspapers, and journals. You must want to develop your understanding of language and your range of writing skills. You should be a person who likes research, discussion, and developing ideas in essays. You should also

appreciate the challenge to develop your analytical language and skills.

*Please note that these entry grade requirements may differ to those published in the 2019 prospectus. Grade requirements as detailed here and on the website should always be used as the most accurate and up-to-date ones.

Future career and study opportunities

An A Level in English can lead to a Higher Education course in this or a related subject, or to any career which needs an understanding of human relationships and social issues – media work, management, teaching, law, social and probation work are some examples.

Confident self-expression, the ability to organise material and thoughts and effective fluent writing styles are skills recognised by all employers. English Language and Literature develops all these skills, offering opportunities for creative, analytical and discursive writing.

Work experience/Careers Extra

This course does not contain a specific work experience component but many of the skills you will learn are essential to employability. If needed, our Employability Team can help you find local work placements that will support the course.

Additional resources/costs

You will need to buy your own copies of set texts and provide your own stationery. The College’s Learning Resource Centre is well stocked with a variety of daily and Sunday newspapers and journals, support materials, past papers and exemplars to support your studies.

Contact

If you have a question about this or any other full-time course, email admissions@newcollege.ac.uk or call 01793 611470

Related Courses
temp
Download
Course Guides
View All Guides
Queens Drive Campus
Queens Drive Campus
New College Drive
Swindon
SN3 1AH
Tel: 01793 611470
View Campus Information
North Star Campus
North Star Campus
North Star Avenue
Swindon
SN2 1DY
Tel: 01793 491591
View Campus Information
Adult Education Centre
Adult Education Centre
Focal Point
27-35 Fleet Street
Swindon SN1 1RQ
Tel: 01793 511665
View Campus Information
Institute of Technology
Institute of Technology
North Star Avenue
Swindon
SN2 1DY
Tel: 01793 491591
View Campus Information