English Language and Literature

In this course, students study a wide range of literary and non-literary texts in a variety of media. By examining communicative acts across literary form and textual type alongside appropriate secondary readings, students will investigate the nature of language itself and the ways in which it shapes and is influenced by identity and culture. Approaches to study in the course are meant to be wide ranging and can include literary theory, sociolinguistics, media studies and critical discourse analysis among others.

What will I study?

Readers, writers and texts -This study includes the investigation of how texts themselves operate as well as the contexts and complexities of production and reception. Focus is on the development of personal and critical responses to the particulars of communication.

Time and space -This study focuses on the contexts of language use and the variety of ways literary and non-literary texts might both reflect and shape society at large. The focus is on the consideration of personal and cultural perspectives, the development of broaderperspectives, and an awareness of the ways in which context is tied to meaning.

Intertextuality: connective texts -This study focuses on intertextual relationships with possibilities to explore various topics, thematic concerns, generic conventions, modes or literary traditions that have been introduced throughout the course. The focus is on the development of critical response grounded in an understanding of the complex relationships among texts.

How will I be assessed?

English Language and Literature is assessed through a mix of internal and external assessment methods.

Paper 1 - Guided textual analysis: the paper consists of two non-literary passages. Students must write an analysis of one of these passages within the exam at Standard Level and both passages at Higher Level.

Paper 2 - Comparative essay: Students will write a comparative essay in response to one question from a choice of four based on two works studied in the course.

Higher Level Essay: Higher Level students only will submit an essay on one non-literary or literary text or work studied during the course. The essay must be 1,200-1,500 words in length.

Internal Assessment

Individual Oral - Supported by an extract from both one non-literary text and one from a literary work, students will offer a prepared response of 10minutes, followed by 5 minutes of questions by the teacher on the ways in a which a global issue of their choice is presented through the content and form of the works studied.

Entry Requirements

Standard Level - GCSE English Language/Literature at Grade 4 and above

Higher Level - GCSE English Language/Literature at Grade 6 and above

For further information

Please contact Alexa Minett: alexa.minett@parksidecc.org.uk

I picked this course because of the wide diversity of texts that we study, with a variety of textual origins (Norwegian, Iranian, and more). In the modern world, multimedia texts can have just as great a significance as traditional literature, so studying Lit and Lang feels relevant and alive

Isla