SPECIFICATION LINK: 7707

TITLE: AQA Level 3 Advanced GCE in English Language and Literature (601/4641/2)

COURSE INFORMATION

Are you prepared to be challenged by new ideas and concepts? Do you enjoy reading? Have you ever wondered how a conversation works? Are you interested in how language changes and develops? Yes? Then read on...

This course is designed to allow students to investigate the way the two disciplines of language and literature work together. Students will read a wide range of literary and non-literary works such as poetry, novels, short stories, Shakespeare plays, journalism, letters and transcribed conversations. The textual studies require a wide range of literary and linguistic approaches to analysing how language works, and also provide opportunities to craft their own text transformations as part of the exams. In order to explore the texts fully, students will use a range of analytical approaches and will be introduced to key linguistic concepts and terminology. Through the coursework units, students are able to develop their investigative skills exploring how language works through selecting their own area of study. The staff’s approach will be to encourage students to develop individual, sensitive and imaginative responses through group discussion, small group work, practical investigations, whole class teaching and individual tutorials.

ASSESSMENT STRUCTURE

Three units: two by examination and one by coursework.

Unit 1: Telling Stories (Examination: 3 hours)

• Section A: Remembered Places -AQA Anthology: Paris
• Section B: Imagined Worlds – one prose text
• Section C: Poetic Voices – poetry set text

Unit 2: Exploring Conflict (Examination: 2 hours 30 mins)

• Section A: Writing About Society – re-creative task
• Section B: Dramatic Encounters – drama text

Non-Examined Assessment Unit: Making Connections (Coursework)

• A personal investigation exploring a theme or technique in both literary and non-literary texts.

OTHER INFORMATION

Wide reading of any form of literature plus keeping up-to-date with news articles and non-fiction texts will support this course.

ROUTES FOR PROGRESSION

The major strength of an English student is their ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Students develop skills in critical reasoning and analysis, as well as negotiation, discussion and independent thinking. Studying English can lead to a wide choice of careers and related degree courses. English graduates find opportunities with many different employers in both the public and private sectors, such as: creative writing, publishing, journalism, education, local and national government, financial and legal firms, and voluntary and charitable organisations.