English Language & Literature

GCSE Maths grade 3 or above

GCSE English Language grade 5 or above

GCSE English Literature grade 5 or above

5 GCSE’s at grade 4 or above

Year 1

Telling Stories (AQA – specification content)

You’ll explore how writers present:

• Narrative perspectives and voices
• People, places and events
• Language choices that shape meaning

Texts include The Handmaid’s Tale, , a collection of poetry by Carol Ann Duffy and an anthology of non‑fiction texts.

• How writers construct identity
• How language reflects social and cultural contexts
• Stylistic analysis using linguistic frameworks

Exploring Conflict (AQA – specification content)

Examine how writers represent conflict in various forms, including:

• Personal conflict
• Social or political tensions
• Conflict in relationships and identity

You’ll analyse A Streetcar Named Desire and write recreative texts in response to The Kite Runner

Year 2

In year 2 you will develop your analytical and creative skills for the units Telling Stories and Exploring Conflict (see Year 1 for texts)

Making Connections (NEA) (AQA)

• Independent investigation into a theme across one literary and one non‑literary text
• Exploring linguistic and literary connections
• Analytical report with your own research focus

Skills Developed

You will develop:

• Close textual and linguistic analysis
• Creative and re‑creative writing skills
• Critical thinking and evaluation
• Research and independent project skills
• Confidence in written and spoken communication

Lessons combine clear explanations, group discussion, close reading, writing workshops, independent research and regular exam practice. We use a wide range of contemporary and classic texts, helping you see language and literature as living, connected subjects.

You will complete regular practice essays, analytical tasks and creative writing exercises. Feedback focuses on building your confidence, structure, clarity and analytical precision.

Assessment:

• Paper 1: Telling Stories (2 hours 30 minutes) (AQA)
• Paper 2: Exploring Conflict (2 hours 30 minutes) (AQA)
• Non‑Exam Assessment (NEA): Making Connections – independent investigation (20%) (AQA)

• Access to a full range of literary and non‑literary texts
• Digital linguistic resources
• Study spaces for independent investigation
• Support sessions for NEA and exam preparation

You will need to purchase copies of set texts. Optional theatre visits or study guides may involve a small charge.

• English Language
• English Literature

Popular combinations include:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Media Studies
• Film Studies
• History
• Drama

This course supports progression to degrees in:

• English Language
• English Literature
• Creative Writing
• Linguistics
• Journalism
• Media, Communications & PR
• Education
• Law & Humanities

It also builds transferable skills valued in many careers.

Opportunities may include:

• Theatre and lecture trips
• Creative writing workshops
• Guest speakers
• University taster sessions