The English Faculty is committed to fostering a profound appreciation for language, literature, and communication. Our curriculum is designed to cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and effective expression in students.
We prioritise the development of strong reading, writing, and analytical skills, enabling students to engage with diverse texts and perspectives. Through a balanced blend of classic and contemporary literature, as well as multimedia resources, we aim to ignite a passion for lifelong learning. Our intent is to empower students with the linguistic proficiency and cultural awareness necessary for success both in school and the wider society. We strive to create an inclusive and dynamic learning environment that nurtures curiosity and encourages students to become articulate, informed, and empathetic contributors to society.
English at A Level aims to deepen students' literary understanding and analytical skills. Focusing on diverse genres and cultural perspectives, the curriculum intends to foster critical thinking, advanced communication, and independent research. Students engage with classic and contemporary literature, developing their ability to articulate complex ideas and respond to nuanced texts. The curriculum emphasises creative expression, honing language proficiency, and preparing students for higher education or professional pursuits by cultivating an appreciation for literature and effective communication.
A Level English Language and Literature AQA 7707
Exam Board Specification: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/a-level/english-7707/specification
A Level English Literature AQA 7712
Exam Board Specification: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/a-level/english-7712/specification
English Language & Literature A Level – AQA 7707
WHY ENGLISH LANGUAGE & LITERATURE?
This exciting course has a rich variety and a thought-provoking range of literary and linguistic texts including novels, plays, poetry and ‘real-world’ texts such as articles, speeches and travel writing. You will learn to interpret, analyse and discuss a vast range of topics and issues. You will develop your creative writing skills and learn how to critically evaluate your own work. You will read at least one novel and consider its genre in some detail (for instance, Dystopian fiction), as well as some highly unusual texts such as transcripts of speech and advertisements.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
ASSESSMENT
EXTRA AND SUPER CURRICULAR
We will always aim, where possible, to see at least one of the studied texts in performance. In addition, there may be opportunities to attend readings, cinema screenings or literary conferences.
FUTURE PATHWAYS
Possible pathways may include Journalism and the Media, Publishing, Teaching, Advertising, Marketing, PR, Law and Business.
COMPLEMENTARY A LEVELS
Psychology, History, Politics, Sociology, Philosophy.
English Literature A Level – AQA 7712
WHY ENGLISH LITERATURE?
The course involves reading and engaging with an exciting and challenging range of texts: prose, poetry, drama and research. At the same time, we always aim to develop understanding of the various links to social/historical context. By studying English Literature, you will learn to view the world around you with different eyes, developing skills of perception and critical awareness.
You will study a play by Shakespeare as well as some contemporary fiction. You may also explore the concepts of war/conflict or what it means to live in a modern society.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
ASSESSMENT
FUTURE PATHWAYS
Possible pathways may include Journalism and the Media, Publishing, Teaching, Advertising, Marketing, PR, Law and Business.
COMPLEMENTARY A LEVELS
Psychology, History, Politics, Sociology, Philosophy.
Key Stage 5 English Literature Curriculum MapKey Stage 5 English Language and Literature Curriculum Map