English language and literature

A Level

QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED TO START THE COURSE

• 6 or above in English Language
• 6 or above in English Literature

Plus standard LaSWAP entry requirements for A level pathway

COURSE OUTLINE

Paper 1 – Exploring Non-Fiction and Spoken Texts 

This paper focuses on how language is used in real-world texts and speech. Students study a range of non-fiction writing and spoken language, including both historical and contemporary examples. They learn how to analyse the ways writers and speakers shape meaning and engage audiences. The exam includes comparison tasks, where students explore how different texts present ideas, perspectives and voices, using a blend of linguistic and literary analysis. 

Paper 2 – The Language of Poetry and Plays 

In this paper, students explore the rich language of poetic and dramatic texts. They study a selection of poetry (Carol Ann Duffy) and one play (A Streetcar Named Desire), considering how writers use literary and linguistic techniques to craft meaning, character and atmosphere. The focus is on close reading and detailed analysis, helping students develop a deeper understanding of how language choices affect interpretation and audience response. 

Paper 3 – Reading as a Writer, Writing as a Reader 

This analytical and creative paper encourages students to become both critics and creators. It includes the study of a prose text (The Great Gatsby) and the opportunity to write original fiction in response to it. Students demonstrate their understanding of narrative voice, structure and style by analysing how writers construct meaning—and then apply these techniques in their own writing. 

COURSE OUTLINE: NON-EXAMINED ASSESSMENT

NEA Task 1 — Analytical and Comparative Essay 
For this task, students write a detailed essay comparing a literary text of their choice with a non-fiction text they have studied. They explore how writers use language to present themes, ideas or perspectives, drawing on both literary and linguistic analysis. 

NEA Task 2 — Original Writing and Commentary 

In this creative task, students produce a piece of original writing in a genre of their choice—such as a speech, article, memoir, or travel writing—followed by a reflective commentary. The commentary explains the choices they made in terms of language, structure and style, linking them to the techniques of real-world writers. 

 LEARNING AND SKILLS

• Analytical thinking — interpreting how language and structure shape meaning across a variety of texts and genres. 
• Close reading skills — examining texts in detail to uncover subtle techniques, themes and stylistic choices. 
• Comparative analysis — drawing connections between texts, writers and contexts with insight and precision. 
• Creative writing — crafting original fiction and non-fiction texts with a strong awareness of audience, purpose and style. 
• Independent research — selecting texts and developing personal responses through guided self-directed study. 
• Effective communication — building strong written and verbal skills that are highly valued in both academic and professional settings. 

EXAMINATION AND ASSESSMENT

EXAM BOARD: OCR

FUTURE PROSPECTS

This subject is very well respected by universities and employers; by studying this course you will become expert at analysing, interpreting and creating a variety of written and spoken texts, including many different kinds of media. In today’s world we are saturated with such texts; skills such as powerful and effective communication are highly valued by employers. 

You can apply to do a degree in a very wide range of subjects such as English, journalism, media and communication studies, law and social sciences.

Please note that to study English literature at degree level, some very competitive universities require English literature A level.