English Language & Literature

Course Content

You will study a range of set texts throughout the course. These will consist of a collection of themed non-fiction texts (including autobiography, advertisements and transcripts of speech), a drama text, a collection of poetry and classic prose fiction.

Currently, our set texts include The Great Gatsby, The Handmaid’s Tale, Othello, A Streetcar Named Desire, Frankenstein and the poetry of Seamus Heaney and Carol Ann Duffy.

Please be aware that there can be slight changes to this list and they will vary at each school.

The course will be assessed as follows:

• Paper 1: Telling Stories (non-fiction anthology, prose fiction and poetry anthology) – written examination

• Paper 2: Exploring Conflict (re-creative writing based on a prose set text with critical commentary and study of a play) – written examination

• Non-exam Assessment: Making Connections (an independent investigation on a chosen theme and texts) – centre assessed and moderated by the exam board

English Language and Literature is a useful introduction to further study of linguistics and/or literature. English qualifications open doors to many careers and higher/ further education courses, and provide you with the skills you need for effective and sophisticated written and spoken communication.

Course Entry Requirements

5 or above in GCSE English Language or Literature. Minimum APS of 4.5

Course Specification

AQA 7707

AQA English Language & Literature Specification Link