English Language and Literature

WHY SHOULD I STUDY A LEVEL ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE?

Explore stories. Decode language. Find your voice. A Level English Language and Literature offer a distinctive approach to English, exploring how meaning is shaped in both literary and real‑world texts. The course encourages critical reading, creative thinking and a balance of analytical essays with original writing. You’ll study texts from a wide range of genres and periods, developing confidence as both a reader and a writer through critical and creative work.

COURSE CONTENT

The two-year OCR course involves the study of a wide variety of texts, bringing Language and Literature together and recognising that they are inseparable in real world communication.

• You will study classic and modern literary texts alongside non‑fiction such as speeches, letters, graphic novels and TV scripts.
• You will analyse how language shapes meaning, voice and identity.
• Alongside analytical essays, you will produce original writing including stories, blogs and creative non‑fiction, developing critical and creative thinking.
• By the end of the course, you will be a confident, adaptable reader and writer, able to engage critically with a wide range of texts.

NON-EXAMINED ASSESSMENT

This component offers considerable freedom, allowing students to compare a text of their choice with a taught post‑2010 non‑fiction text exploring contemporary issues such as gender, race and identity. Current set texts include Question 7 by Richard Flanagan, Educated by Tara Westover and The Roles We Play by Sabba Khan. Students also produce original non‑fiction writing, such as a blog, editorial, memoir extract or travel writing.

PROGRESSION ONTO YEAR 2

Progression to the second year of the A Level depends on satisfactory progress in the first year, including achieving at least an E grade in the Year One formal assessment and maintaining good attendance and commitment.

FINAL ASSESSMENT AT END OF YEAR 2

Three written examination papers taken at the end of the second year (80%) and the non-examined assessment (20%).

Paper 1: (16%) Comparison of a non-fiction text with an unseen text.

Paper 2: (32%) Comparison of poems and analysis of an extract of a play.

Paper 3: (32%) Critical discussion of The Great Gatsby, plus the production of a narrative opening and commentary.

WHAT CAN I DO AFTER STUDYING A LEVEL ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE?

Students go on to study a wide range of degree subjects and careers. English Language and Literature is highly valued by universities and employers for the core, transferable skills it develops, combining strong analytical and communication skills with creativity and independent thinking.

MINIMUM ENTRY CRITERIA 

 Standard College entry requirements (as detailed on page 12) and a minimum of:

Grade 5	GCSE English Language
AND
Grade 4	GCSE English Literature

Please note, it is not possible to study A Level English Language and Literature with any other English A Level.

We are an inclusive department, and, in some situations, we will consider students who have achieved a good grade in only one GCSE English course.

FURTHER INFORMATION

This subject fits well within any programme of study and complements a wide range of creative and analytical subjects. English Language and Literature develop independent thinking, the ability to make connections across texts, and confidence in shaping ideas through both analytical and creative work. The course suits students who enjoy variety and active engagement in reading, discussion and writing, and who are prepared to reflect critically on both their own work and the texts they study. A range of course materials is provided, though students are expected to purchase their own set texts; financial support may be available where needed.

Students benefit from a wide programme of enrichment offered by the English Department, including theatre and cinema trips, lecture days, competitions, and structured support for university applications, including Oxbridge. Visiting lecturers and academics, alongside writers and journalists, complement course delivery by extending learning beyond the classroom and offering deeper insight into texts, theories and professional pathways. Additional Studies options include Creative Writing, the College Magazine and Debating, allowing students to develop interests and skills beyond the core curriculum.

Please note that in preparation for university, all English courses require an increasingly mature approach to the study of a range of challenging and complex contemporary issues and texts.