English Language and English Literature

Are you interested in the power of language and the human imagination? Do you enjoy exploring the communication of ideas and the search for meaning? Perhaps you would like to develop your skills further in understanding and using the written word - whatever your interests, we have a course to suit you.

These courses are based at our Hele Road site. See pages 31-32 for the map.

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You can combine that course with other courses with this icon to create a full time programme of study

In English Literature, we discuss a wide range of subjects - feminism, romanticism, the gothic, science - everything gets covered so that’s why it’s so interesting. I really recommend Exeter College for both the study side, which is outstanding, and the social side is amazing too - you will develop a whole new group of friends for life.

Gabe, studying English Literature, Biology and Philosophy A Levels. Previously studied in Somerset.

AS/A Level | Duration: 2 years

This course focuses on sociolinguistics, which means that we study and analyse the ways in which society and language influence one another. This involves exploring issues such as personal and social identity, as well as looking at how children learn to talk, read and write.

On this course you will:

ƒ Gain an in depth understanding of how language is constructed to achieve meaning ƒ Develop creative skills and expertise as a writer, experimenting with different styles ƒ Explore how language varies and changes over time ƒ Develop transferable skills relating to the interpretation and analysis of different types of communication ƒ Study how language develops from childhood ƒ Explore language related issues, such as global English, gender identity, power, journalism and regional language variation Assessment will be through external examination and a small component of non-exam assessment in the second year (coursework). Choose this course if… you are interested in popular culture, the world around you, and the development of the English language in society. It is also appropriate if you are interested in discussion, debate and creative writing. Future Steps: English Language will develop your analytical writing skills to progress on to a broad range of university courses, as well as most forms of professional employment. Essentially, any work that involves written and spoken communication will be enhanced by studying the subject further.

Entry requirements: Eight GCSEs at grade 4 or above (including English Language and Maths). It will be possible to discuss the differences in the content of this course compared with GCSE at interview.

ENGLISH LITERATURE

AS/A Level | Duration: 2 years

Develop your analytical and critical thinking through literature on our dynamic course. We use poetry, drama and prose texts to explore the philosophical, historical and psychoanalytical perspectives of some of the greatest writers in the English canon. What can fiction tell us about what it means to be human? How will our interpersonal relationships change as society becomes more technologically advanced? How important is literature in our increasingly technological world? Find out with us!

On this course you will:

ƒ Study a wide variety of texts, covering the major literary genres of poetry, prose and drama ƒ Read a range of literature by a variety of authors in different

historical periods, considering how the political, social and literary context can illuminate writers’ ideas ƒ Consider the use of structure, form and language in texts ƒ Enhance your analysis of different narrative techniques, evaluation of literary criticism and comparison ƒ Develop your ability to research and cultivate a reasoned argument ƒ Have the chance to attend theatre trips, author talks, events and take part in creative and academic writing competitions Assessment will be through external examination and a small component of non-exam assessment in the second year of the course. Choose this course if… you enjoy the thrill of a great book and are prepared to share your ideas, as well as have them challenged by others. Future Steps: You could go on to university level education, and/or a range of careers. English Literature is highly regarded by universities. Entry requirements: Eight GCSEs at grade 4 or above (including English Language and Maths).

This course can be combined with most other courses (see pages 13-14) and goes particularly well with Modern Foreign Languages, Humanities, Social Science and creative subjects.

LEVEL 3

This course can be combined with others (see pages 13-14) and goes particularly well with other Humanities and Arts subjects.