English Language and Literature

Course summary

A large number of students pursue English into KS5 on one of the two courses we teach at A-level: English Literature and English Language and Literature. We teach A-level English in small classes, encouraging students to work in groups and discuss their ideas with each other. A-level students enjoy reading widely and talk about their reading. They complete homework tasks and independently research and read around their subject areas. English at A-level demands the highest quality of written and verbal communication, and requires students to be imaginative and original in their generation of ideas. We monitor and support A-level students in their transition from KS4 to KS5. Many of our students have been inspired to study English and other related subjects at some of the country’s top universities. Some students in Year 12 and 13 also resit their English Language GCSE with us, aiming to secure a grade 4 or above in this core GCSE. Students are taught in small classes and practise core examination skills; all sixth form students are expected to do their best to ensure that they leave Loxford with a pass as this GCSE is considered essential for entrance to Higher Education and future employment in quality institutions At Loxford, we currently offer two English courses: English Literature (OCR) and English Language and Literature (AQA). Both of these courses provide opportunities for students to explore dynamic, engaging texts and develop their appreciation of the way writers construct their texts. We are proud of these students who have developed an exceptional range of skills in English and have produced critical and creative responses in response to the challenging demands of these new courses. What is the requirement to study A Level English? It is essential for students to be inquisitive and have a real passion for reading various forms of fiction and non-fiction texts. Having acquired at GCSE a basic appreciation of how writers and speakers construct texts in order to achieve their aims, students will need to hone their interpretive, analytical and evaluative skills to further explore how writers engage with their audiences.