English Language and Literature A Level

Exam Board: AQA(B) Fast Track: Cheltenham subject to meeting strict criteria Daytime: Cheltenham Evening: No Exams: AS Unit 1 Introduction to Language and Literature Study 1¾ hours 30% Unit 2 Themes in Language and Literature coursework 20% A2 Unit 3 Talk in Life and Literature 2 hours 30% Unit 4 Text Transformation coursework 20% Where will this qualification take me? The skills you will acquire on this course will allow you to progress on to study English at university. It is also suitable for developing generic reading and writing skills which would help you to progress onto study other subjects such as journalism, creative writing and many others within the humanities or teaching degree areas at university. With this course you will also gain generic employment skills, such as developed written and verbal communication; the ability to present information to others; the ability to conduct academic research and synthesise the material you find. What will I be doing on the course? At AS you will explore the ways in which writers employ language and literature theories to present their ideas within their texts. Additionally, you will explore how particular themes, attitudes and purposes are employed to present information to different audience types. You will also demonstrate your own creative writing skills as part of the coursework unit. At A2 you will explore the ways in which authors use speech theories to make their writing more ‘realistic’ when including speech in their texts. You will also have the opportunity to further develop your creative writing skills by writing for different audiences and using a range of genres. Throughout both years you will get involved in actively learning the texts for assessment for both the exam and coursework units. You can also expect to participate in group and individual activities which will consist of research, presentations and peer teaching sessions to name but a few.

For full time students the course will form part of a larger programme of study which consists of timetabled sessions, enrichment activities, work experience and private study time. To achieve this a student will normally be asked to select from columns of the 6th Form matrix in each year of study. If a student falls below this programme requirement they may be classed as part time by some external agencies and may be required to pay fees for their tuition and/or exams. Please check with the tutor at interview that the subjects you have selected form a full-time programme. Every full time 6th Form student will have a personal tutor and will study a tutorial programme. The tutor will be responsible for the pastoral care of the student and for the tracking and monitoring of their progress on the course. This subject can be selected on its own for part time study for which tuition fees may be payable (please consult Student Services for fee concessions). Part time students may also be required to pay exam fees. You may have the opportunity to go on trips during the year. A small charge will be payable for these visits.

AS - 5 x GCSEs at Grade A* to C in different subjects to include English Language and maths A2 - successful completion of AS English Language and Literature at Grade A to C plus a good reference

Progression from GCSEs will normally be to AS Level (or equivalent vocational course) or to employment. Progression from AS Level will normally be to A2, and then on to employment or Higher Education

97.1% pass rate A* - E at A2 in June 2012, with 100% pass in 18 subjects

Rebecca A Levels: English Literature and Language, Biology and Environmental Studies Rebecca is currently completing her A Levels in English Literature and Language, Biology and Environmental Studies. “Studying A Levels is both interesting and exciting. I love going to each lesson working with a range of people and great teachers. The diversity of my subjects really interests me and the independence I have gained from studying A Levels has been invaluable in preparation for University. After I complete my A Levels, I hope to continue to University and then after that get a full time job in publishing.” Lorna Studied A2 Media, Geography and English and AS Psychology Lorna left Gloucestershire College achieveing three B’s at A Level. She is currently carrying out work experience at The Forester newspaper and also working part-time as a sales assistant in a bakery. “I am currently carrying out work experience at The Forester and developing the skills I learnt at college. I interview people in order to write stories for the paper and am really interested in building a career as a journalist. All my A Level courses at Gloucestershire College were really enjoyable and interesting. I also got to take part in lots of enrichment activities including playing Hamlet in Shakespeare’s Last Play and being part of the ‘Active Young Citizens’ of Europe project. In the future I would like to find a full-time job. I really enjoy the work I am doing at The Forester and am looking for full time role in journalism. Every day is different. I am learning new skills all the time; developing my writing styles and how to interview people. It’s a really enjoyable and I get to find out what’s happening in the Royal Forest of Dean before anyone else.”

Please contact the College on 0845 155 2020 for further details