Prospective Students
A Level English
We offer two A Level options at Finham Park: English Literature and English Language & Literature. Although there are some overlaps between these two subjects, there are distinct differences between the content, methods and approaches to analysis in each subject.
Navigate below to explore our two subject options. Follow the navigation tabs at the top of the page for access to the taster sessions and summer work.
What's the difference between the course content in English Literature and English Language & Literature?
What's the difference between the approaches in English Literature and English Language & Literature?
Literature Lenses
A “lens” is a means through which we view the world. In the context of English Literature studies, we use theoretical lenses to inform and shape our readings of the texts that we encounter. For instance, we read and interpret the same text differently if we are interested in gender, race, environmental or social issues.
A Level English Literature empowers you to explore these issues through developing your knowledge, understanding and application of these lenses to the texts that you study allowing you to build critical arguments that are shaped by the lens through which you read them.
Language and Literature Frameworks
“Frameworks" are building blocks which combine in different ways to create texts. In the context of English Language & Literature studies, we apply a range of linguistic frameworks to texts in an analytical way. These analyses combine to build a systematic understanding of reading and texts in context.
A Level English Language & Literature develops your technical skill of very close reading to enable you to build critical arguments rooted in the ways that texts are constructed and how this shapes the meanings that are created by readers.
Which course is most suitable for me?
Literature
English Literature is suitable for students who choose to specialise in the study of literary texts (poetry, prose and drama).
You must be a keen reader to be suitable for this course!
There are many similarities between GCSE English Literature and A Level English Literature as you learn to go beyond personal reading and interpretations of texts so that you can learn how to use critical materials related to the literary "lenses" to develop more complex and academically informed readings of texts.
Language & Literature
English Language & Literature suits students who wish to specialise in the combined study of literary and non-literary texts, such as spoken texts, biography, adverts, journals and so on.
You must be a keen reader to be suitable for this course!
A Level English Language & Literature is quite different from GCSE English Language as the range of texts and analytical frameworks are much more interesting and engaging. There are overlapping elements with GCSE English Literature in terms of the study of literary texts and argument writing.
Want to learn more? Watch these videos of examples of how we read and analyse in English
