English Language and Literature

Course summary

Exploring non-fiction and spoken texts (01). This is a chance to explore how language changes over time and how it's morphed to suit certain situations and contexts. Closed text 32 marks Written paper: 1 hour 16% of total A level The language of poetry and plays (02). This component includes a detailed exploration of Shakespeare's Othello with a trip to see a performance at some point during the two-year study. We also look at a collection of love poetry by Carol Ann Duffy where there are opportunities to deepen our knowledge of the writer's craft. Closed text 64 marks Written paper: 2 hours 32% of total A level Reading as a writer, writing as a reader (03). This component includes a detailed exploration of The Great Gatsby, one of the great American novels. After studying this, we then apply some of the techniques to our creative writing, as well as look at more modern examples of storytelling techniques. Open text 64 marks Written paper: 2 hours 32% of total A level Independent study: analyzing and producing texts (04). There are two tasks required for this portfolio, which include a writing comparative essay about a dystopian novel/ investigative journalism, and then a non-fiction writing task. * Non-examined assessment: 40 marks 20% of total A level.