The Language/Literature combined course is an opportunity to continue studying both aspects of English. It has a focus on written texts; however knowledge of spoken language will also be covered over the two years.

Lessons will take the form of pupil presentations, seminar style discussions and close annotation of the reading material in the form of an Anthology for AS examination.

AS Topics

Unit 1: Exam 1 ½ hours 60%
A compulsory question on the Anthology as a set text.

Unit 2: Coursework Task 40%
Part 1 is a discussion on texts. Part 2 is creative writing of your own text.

A2 Topics

Unit 3: Exam 2 ½ hours 30%
Two questions to answer.  One on a Shakespeare play where you demonstrate critical and creative skills.  The second where you continue the transcript of naturally occurring speech.

Unit 4: Coursework 20%
This unit requires you to transform an original text into another genre, purpose or audience and to provide a commentary on your work.  The focus is again on creative writing.

Where does it lead?

A Level Lang/Lit Combined is recognised by all Universities and can lead you onto further specialised study in either Language or Literature as a single subject.  It is also a good introduction for professions such as teaching, reporting and editing.

Why you should study English Lang/Lit Combined?

You should study the Lang/Lit combined course if you enjoyed both aspects of the Language and Literature course studied at GCSE.  Many of the topics covered will be new for example looking at spoken language, however you will have the opportunity to study Shakespeare again and also complete creative writing for coursework.

What skills do I need to be successful in this subject?

• You must love reading.
• You must enjoy looking at many different types of written texts, for example short stories, poetry, non-fiction and plays.
• You must be able to work independently and meet deadlines.
• You must like working from an Anthology.
• You must want to continue to study both aspects of English.

Assessment

AS Lang/Lit will take the form of two units.  One will be a 1 ½ hour exam and the second is a coursework unit.  Exam is worth 60% of the AS Grade and will focus on texts studied in an Anthology.  You may take this into the exam with you.  Coursework counts towards 40% and will require you to create a text, much like the GCSE creative writing coursework.

Enrichment Activities

Theatre visits are arranged to support the Shakespeare play study in A2.

Preparing for Study

• Look at the AQA website for more detailed information about the Anthology and topics for coursework.
• Read a wide range of fiction and non-fiction over the summer holidays and make notes on the differences in text type, audience and purpose.
• Keep a reading journal to note down all of the different observations you can make between the texts.
• Practice writing short stories.  One for teenagers and one for adults.  Make notes on the differences between your language choices for each audience.

Other Information

You are not required to purchase any texts or materials in advance, however we would recommend a good revision guide such as Longman or Philip Allen Updates. A reading list and summer task sheet will be available on the AS induction day.