English Combined A Level

A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and English Literature.

Please note:  You can study both English A level Literature and A level English Language because the courses are sufficiently distinct that there is no overlap or repetition of content. However, you cannot study A Level English Combined and A Level English Literature, or A Level English Combined and A Level English Language.

This course focuses on the similarities and differences between language as it is used in everyday life and as it is used in fictional texts, between how people speak in reality and how characters speak on the page or stage. Studying English Language and Literature together is a great combination and one which will equip you with a variety of transferable skills such as writing, analysis, applying context and reading for meaning.

The course provides the opportunity to understand the flexibility and power of language in both fictional and non-fictional texts.

Year 1

In the first year, you will examine a set of texts related to the history and culture of Paris as a means of exploring the diversity of language in everyday contexts. You will also study a novel (The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood) and selected poems by Carol Ann Duffy.

Year 2

You will complete a coursework project based on your independent research and will engage with two further genres: biographical writing (Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer) and drama (All My Sons By Arthur Miller). This syllabus supports the development of a range of skills, including the technical analysis of language, creative writing, essay writing and independent research in the form of a coursework project on literary and non-literary texts of your choice.

An A Level in English Language and Literature (combined) will prove an asset if you want to study any degree course in the humanities or social sciences, all of which place a premium on your powers of written expression. English can also be combined with a wide range of other courses at university. The Making Connections unit, in particular, equips you with the independent research skills that are vital to success in higher education. This is an excellent foundation for careers that demand a command of both spoken and written English, such as law, journalism, publishing, teaching and the media.

The student magazine produced by students is part of the enrichment opportunities led by the English Department. Trips include theatre trips to London, Manchester and Stratford-upon-Avon and international trips include a visit to battlefields in France, university taster days, residentials and creative writing workshops. These are all optional but highly recommended. Aspiring Oxford and Cambridge applicants will benefit from our extensive range of activities to support you in making a competitive application including: small group subject tuition, Oxford and Cambridge conferences, visits and contacts with our link staff, access to summer schools, application support and essay competitions, supra-curricular activities and access to free university-level Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC).

You can apply online via the APPLY button and then add an additional two or three subjects to make up your academic programme. You can also apply for a second, alternative vocational programme of study via a separate application. If after reading this factsheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop into one of our open evenings, ring our Admissions Department on 01743 653111, or email admissions@scg.ac.uk