AS/A Level English Language and Literature
Key Details
- Available at:Llangefni, Pwllheli, Dolgellau
- Study Mode:Full-time
- Course Length:
1-2 years
AS/A Level English Language and LiteratureFull-time (Further Education)
Applying for more than one A Level? You can apply from this page and you will have the opportunity to add your additional A Level subjects at the end of the application process.
Please note: We recommend that you have access to a laptop or Chromebook to enable coursework to be completed digitally at home. There is a dedicated IT Digital Inclusion fund to support those learners who do not have a digital device and are unable to purchase one.
Course Description
Are you interested in the nature and functions of language? Would you like to develop skills of critical analysis and appreciation? This course covers a variety of topics from both English Language and English Literature, providing a natural progression from GCSE level. The course provides opportunities for you to consider how attitudes and values are created and conveyed in speech and writing.
The course will enable you to develop your writing skills as well as studying drama, poetry and prose texts from both a linguistic and literary perspective. The second year builds on and widens your studies enabling you to appreciate the cultural significance of the modern and classical literary world.
The course can be taken as part of a full-time programme of study, in conjunction with other AS/A Level subjects, or possibly with other Level 3 courses.
Entry Criteria
Applying for A Levels? Click ‘Apply Now’ on any of the subjects you are interested in studying. You will be able to specify your other two A Level choices during the online application process.
In order to qualify for this course, you will need the following:
- 6 GCSEs at grade C or above, including English or Welsh 1st Language
- GCSE English Language grade B and GCSE English Literature Grade B
As part of the application process, you will be asked to attend an interview to give you the opportunity to discuss the course.
Progression to A Level is based on your performance at AS Level.
Delivery
The course is delivered through a blend of the following:
- Classroom learning
- Discussions
- Analytical reading and writing
- Independent research
- Group work
- Debate
Your programme will include a combination of:
- Essential Skills qualifications and/or
- GCSE resits and/or
- The Welsh Baccalaureate
Welsh Baccalaureate
Welsh Baccalaureate is a valuable qualification which is often studied alongside your Level 3 full-time course.
The qualification is graded A*-E, carrying the equivalent UCAS points at Level 3, and equips you with transferable personal and business skills. It is highly regarded by universities and employers alike.
As part of the qualification, you will learn about Global Citizenship, Enterprise and Employability and take part in community engagement and work experience.
Essential Skills
This may include a combination of Application of Number, Communication, Digital Literacy and Essential Employability Skills
GCSE resits
This may include GCSE Numeracy/Maths and/or Welsh/English Language.
Maths & Welsh/English
If you don't achieve a C or above in Maths and/ or English/Welsh, we will support you to retake these subjects as part of your study programme.
Assessment
The course is assessed as follows:
- External examinations are taken in June each year
- Coursework
Progression
Whether you gain the full A Level or the AS Level, the course adds to your qualifications and helps you to progress.
You will gain UCAS points and be able to apply for a range of Higher Education courses at many institutions. This includes degrees in Linguistics and other language subjects, as well as many other options, including degrees at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai.
You will also have improved your career prospects, and will have the option of progressing directly into employment in a range of sectors.
Campus Information Bangor
Unit information
Year 1:
Unit 1 - Comparative analysis and creative writing.
Section A: Comparative analysis of one poem from WJEC anthology and an unseen text.
Section B: Two pieces of creative writing and a comparative commentary.
Unit 2 - Drama and Non-literary text study (open book exam)
Drama: Kindertransport by Diane Samuels
Non-literary text: Down and out in Paris and London by George Orwell
Year 2:
Unit 3: Shakespeare (Closed book exam) Two exam questions on Othello.
Unit 4: Unseen texts and prose study (open book exam)
Section A: Comparative analysis of unseen texts.
Section B: Prose study - The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
Unit 5: Critical and creative genre study (coursework)
Section A: A critical and sustained study of a prose genre.
Section B: One piece of original writing linked to genre study.
Campus Information Dolgellau
Year 1 AS
Unit 1:Comparative Analysis and Creative Writing (Written Examination: 2 hours)
Section A: Comparative Analysis of poetry and unseen texts
This unit develops your ability to read and compare a range of texts. The poetry Anthology covers a wide range from the late–sixteenth century to 1914 and is designed to introduce students to the historical development of the English language, the rich heritage of writing poetry, as well as illustrating the variation in poetic content and style over time. The exam will require students to produce a comparative analysis of one poem with one of two texts.
Section B: Creative Writing and Commentary
This unit is designed to engage students in the creative process giving them an opportunity to develop their writing skills in a variety of forms and for a range of purposes. Candidates are also required to write a comparative commentary on the two texts they have produced.
Unit 2: Drama and Non-Literary Text Study (Written Examination: 2 hours)
Section A: Post 1900 drama
You will study Tennessee Williams’ ‘A Streetcar Named Desire.’ This section focuses on the dramatic text in context, with analysis of extract as well as an extended response to the play.
Section B: Non-Literary Study
You will study Truman Capote’s ‘In Cold Blood’ using appropriate linguistic and literary methods analysis.
Year 2 A2
Unit 3: Shakespeare (Written Examination 2 hours)
This unit is designed to introduce you to work of Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’
Unit 4: Unseen Texts and Prose Study (Written Examination: 2 hours)
Section A: Comparative Analysis of Unseen Texts
This unit will extend your ability to contrast texts of different types and from different periods. You will learn to produce detailed comparative analysis of three unseen texts which will come from a variety of contexts.
Section B: Prose Study
In this unit you will read the novel‘Tess of the D’Urbervilles’ by Thomas Hardy You will learn to produce a piece of extended suing integrated linguistic and literary skills.
Unit 5: Critical and Creative Genre Study (Non-examination assessment)
Section A: Genre Study
This is an opportunity to study a texts from a chosen genre ad submit a 1500-2000 word study based on your reading.
Section B: Related Creative Writing
You will be asked to produce a piece of original writing of approximately 1000-1500 words in the same genre as you have studied. Your creative writing will be informed by the research for completing Section A.
Campus Information Pwllheli
Year 1 AS
Unit 1:Comparative Analysis and Creative Writing (Written Examination: 2 hours)
Section A: Comparative Analysis of poetry and unseen texts
This unit develops your ability to read and compare a range of texts. The poetry Anthology covers a wide range from the late–sixteenth century to 1914 and is designed to introduce students to the historical development of the English language, the rich heritage of writing poetry, as well as illustrating the variation in poetic content and style over time. The exam will require students to produce a comparative analysis of one poem with one of two texts.
Section B: Creative Writing and Commentary
This unit is designed to engage students in the creative process giving them an opportunity to develop their writing skills in a variety of forms and for a range of purposes. Candidates are also required to write a comparative commentary on the two texts they have produced.
Unit 2: Drama and Non-Literary Text Study (Written Examination: 2 hours)
Section A: Post 1900 drama
You will study Tennessee Williams’ ‘A Streetcar Named Desire.’ This section focuses on the dramatic text in context, with analysis of extract as well as an extended response to the play.
Section B: Non-Literary Study
You will study Truman Capote’s ‘In Cold Blood’ using appropriate linguistic and literary methods analysis.
Year 2 A2
Unit 3: Shakespeare (Written Examination 2 hours)
This unit is designed to introduce you to work of Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’
Unit 4: Unseen Texts and Prose Study (Written Examination: 2 hours)
Section A: Comparative Analysis of Unseen Texts
This unit will extend your ability to contrast texts of different types and from different periods. You will learn to produce detailed comparative analysis of three unseen texts which will come from a variety of contexts.
Section B: Prose Study
In this unit you will read the novel‘Tess of the D’Urbervilles’ by Thomas Hardy You will learn to produce a piece of extended suing integrated linguistic and literary skills.
Unit 5: Critical and Creative Genre Study (Non-examination assessment)
Section A: Genre Study
This is an opportunity to study a texts from a chosen genre ad submit a 1500-2000 word study based on your reading.
Section B: Related Creative Writing
You will be asked to produce a piece of original writing of approximately 1000-1500 words in the same genre as you have studied. Your creative writing will be informed by the research for completing Section A.
Other details
Course type: Full-time (Further Education)
Level:
3
Programme Area:
- International
- AS/A-Level
Bilingual:
n/a