“I initially struggled deciding between a grammar school sixth form and Birkenhead Sixth Form Collge and I am happy with my decision. The College has improved my self-motivation due to its ethos of independence and this is great preparation for university. I am more confident socially and I love the comfortable yet demanding lessons. The College has 'ticked all of the boxes' for me!”
Gillian Davies

English Language and Literature

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Entry Requirements

Normal BSFC entry requirements for an AS programme of study including a Grade C or above in GCSE English Language. It is helpful to have also achieved a grade C or better in GCSE English Literature. 

About the Subject

If you're interested in both English Language and English Literature, this combined course gives you the opportunity to continue your study of both. As in a conventional Literature course, you'll study novels, poetry and plays, though you'll focus more closely on how writers of literary texts use language to achieve their effects and to convey ideas. You'll also learn how to analyse the language of non-literary texts, ranging from advertisements to personal diaries. The study of spoken language is another important element - whether it's the language of everyday conversation, or the language we hear on radio and television.

Developing your own creative writing skills is also a major part of the course, especially at AS, where the coursework assessment is based on original writing assignments.

The course available in college is AS/A Level: English Language and Literature (WJEC)

AS Year

Unit Name Type of
Assessment		 Date of
Exam		 Weighting
in AS		 Weighting
in A2
Unit 1 Critical
Reading of
Literary and
Non-Literary
texts		 Written exam
(2hrs 30mins)		 May 60% 30%
Unit 2 Creative
Writing		 Coursework Oct-Feb 40% 20%

A2 Year

Unit Name Type of
Assessment		 Date of
Exam		 Weighting
in A2
Unit 3 Analysing
and
Producing
Performance
Texts		 Coursework Oct-Feb (2nd  year) 20%
Unit 4 Comparative
Textual
Analysis and
Review		 Written exam
(2hrs 30mins)		 June (2nd  year) 30%

General Information

Critical Reading of Literary and Non-Literary Texts (AS)

The first part of the AS exam is based on an anthology of pre-1900 poetry which you will have studied during the year. In this section of the exam you also write about an ‘unseen’ poem which you are unlikely to have studied before. The second part of the exam has a question on two prose texts which you study during the AS year. You can take copies of these two texts into the exam.

Creative Writing (AS)

The AS coursework consists of two pieces of original writing, together with a commentary on both pieces. In the commentary you discuss your own use of language and explain what you were hoping to achieve.

Analysing and Producing Performance Texts (A2)

For the A2 coursework unit you write an assignment based on two plays studied by your class.

Comparative Textual Analysis and Review (A2)

In this A2 exam you answer a question on a set book you have studied and also analyse three shorter extracts which you are unlikely to have read before. 

What Next?

Many of our students go on to study English courses at university. English Language and Literature is also relevant to a variety of other university courses, such as Theatre Studies, Media Studies and Languages. If you're interested in a career in the media, performing arts, teaching or journalism, the course will also help you to develop the skills required in these fields.