A Level English Literature

Overview

  • 16-18
  • 21 hours per week

Details

Studying A Levels in English Literature, Language and History at City of Westminster College sharpened my analytical thinking and communication skills. The supportive environment at college prepared me well for university and now helps me in my teaching career. Rouba

To apply for A Levels: Please choose an initial A Level you would like to apply for, then follow the on screen instructions on the online application form.  Add the names of the additional A Levels you would like to study into your personal statement, indicating why you have selected those options.

Course content

English Literature consists of detailed study of plays, poetry and novels; making you think critically and analytically about the texts.

The first year (AS) includes: the study of two modern novels, a modern play, two poetry texts, and a literary critical text. There is a coursework option. The study methods used are lectures and discussions in both small and large groups. Many essays are set, both for homework and timed in class.

The second year (A2) includes: a detailed study of a play by Shakespeare, another play, two poetry texts, and a novel.

What subjects does it combine with?

This subject fits well with many different subjects and is suitable for many career paths. It particularly works well with history subjects, but also other subjects from psychology, sociology, and biology, to media.

What have students who have taken this course in the past progressed to?

Many of our students go on to study subjects such as Linguistics, English, Media, Journalism, Law, Psychology, Advertising, Marketing, PR, Communications, Education, Sociology, and Writing and Production for TV, Radio and Film.

How will I learn?

A-levels are taught in the classrooms and workshops of Paddington Green Campus.

How will I be assessed?

  • Assessment in the first year is by end of year examination (100%) In the second year, assessment will be by coursework (20%) and examination (80%)
  • Non examined assessment: Coursework: Literature post-1900- 20% of total A-level

Equipment and other costs

Students are expected to buy the set texts and provide their own pens, pencils and stationery.

What qualification do I get on completing this course?

A Level English Literature

Where have students gone to after completing this course?

Higher Education study, University

Is there additional work required by the student?

Several hours per week.

What are the expected employment areas with this course?

Creative Arts, Media

Awarding Body

OCR logo

Entry Requirements

What qualifications or skills do I need to show I have before I can enrol?

All A-level candidates must have a minimum of 6 GCSEs – and all candidates must have GCSE English and Maths at grade 5 or above.

Expected prior knowledge

None

English level

GCSE English Language must be a grade 6 and candidates should have at least grade 6 results in related subjects; eg – History, Sociology, English Literature.

Mathematics level

GCSE Maths grade 5 or above.

Support

Free Meals in FE

If you are aged between 16 and 18 on 31st August (the year you start your studies) and received free school meals when you were at school, you may be eligible to receive a free meal at College. For more information on free school meals, click here.

Further Education Fees (16-18)

All our Further Education (FE) courses (Entry to Level 3) are free to EU residents who are under 19 years old on the 31st August (the year you start your studies). For a few courses you may be expected to contribute towards the cost of specialist materials and resources. However, depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for financial help from the College’s Learner Support Fund. You should apply for any such financial support as soon as you have been offered a place.

Childcare

Financial support to help with childcare

Care to learn - childcare support for young people aged 16-20

If you are aged under 20 at the beginning of your course, or moving to the 2nd year of a level 3 course, and are caring for your own child you may be entitled to £175.00 maximum per week, per child through Care to Learn. 

Please ensure you register on the Care to Learn website even if you haven’t chosen your childcare provider or the course you want to study.  Once you have registered Care to Learn will confirm financial support in principle.

For further details and help with making an application please visit https://www.gov.uk/care-to-learn or speak to a Student Advisor.

Childcare support for people aged 20+

Financial support towards the cost of nursery, childminder, breakfast clubs and after-school clubs.

If you are aged 20+ when you start a course and need financial support to help with the cost of childcare while you study the college may be able to help.

You will be required to make use of any government NEF or 2+ Funding before requesting any financial support from the college.

It is essential that you speak to a Student Advisor prior to enrolling on a course to discuss your personal circumstances, childcare needs and to find out if there are funds available.

Eligibility for help with childcare costs is based on your personal circumstances.

General eligibility criteria:

  • Aged 20 and over
  • Considered a home student for fee purposes
  • Fully enrolled on a programme of study funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency  or in receipt of a 19+ Advanced Learning Loan
  • Discussed and had confirmation of funding for childcare support before enrolling

Financial eligibility:

 You need to have evidence that you meet general discretionary Learner Support Funds or 19+ Advanced Learning Loan bursary fund criteria:

  • on a low income / a dependent of someone who is on a low income or in receipt of a means tested benefit e.g. Income Support / Jobseekers Allowance, Employment Support Allowance, housing benefit etc.

When looking for childcare please be aware:

  • all childcare providers must be OFSTED registered
  • any 2+ or 3+ government funding must be used by the student. Only additional hours needed for study will be funded by the College.
  • childcare will only be paid for days when you are attending College or a mandatory work placement.
  • students on full-time courses will be a priority for childcare funding.
  • childcare places will be subject to a contract between College/student/nursery.
  • childcare payments are made subject to students reaching 85% attendance on a monthly basis.

All childcare applicants approved for funding will be required to sign our Terms & Conditions and MUST inform the College immediately should they stop attending lessons for any reason.

Email learner.services@cwc.ac.uk to put your name on the childcare waiting list.  You MUST speak to a member of the Student Advice or Learner Services team before you enrol on a course.

Financial Support for 16-18 Year-olds and Continuing Learners aged 19

The Education Funding Authority has allocated money to colleges to support students who are on low incomes or the dependent of parents on a low income, and need support towards their course-related costs or essential living costs or are facing financial difficulty.

For further information click here.

For further information on financial support for Looked after Children, Care Leavers and estranged young people, click here