English Language and Literature

Course type: A level
Awarding/exam body: AQA

Are you captivated by the beauty of literature and intrigued by the complexities of language?

Are you excited about the prospect of honing your skills in both critical analysis and creative expression?

If so, our A level English Language and Literature offers you the chance to study a wide range of texts, both literature and journalism, and produce creative writing. You’ll read and analyse literary, non-literary and spoken language texts whilst learning to produce writing of a particular style, voice and register.

You’ll examine all three genres (prose, poetry, and drama) to consider variations and connections between texts in different forms. Works studied include The Handmaid’s Tale and A Streetcar Named Desire.

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Course Units

Unit 01: Telling Stories
Unit 02: Exploring Conflict
Unit 03: Making Connections

Course Assessment

Two exams and a coursework folder of investigative and analytical work.

Where This Course Could Take You

A level English courses are excellent preparation for any one of the wide variety of English courses available in higher education. English Literature particularly is considered a desirable subject by Russell Group universities. English is useful for career paths including journalism, law, publishing, the Civil Service, politics and teaching.

Entry Requirements

6 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, preferably including English Language or Maths at Grade 4 or above. An average GCSE Score of at least 4.3.

Grade 5 in English Language and Grade 4 in English Literature OR Grade 4 in English Language and Grade 5 in English Literature.

Course Highlights

Day trip to Paris to explore the culture of the city and its influence on the anthology texts.

Courses

Students can take any combination of 30 A level and Level 3 Applied Diploma subjects. Vocational programmes include 11 Level 3 Extended Diplomas, including BTEC, CTEC and University of the Arts courses, and 4 T Levels. We also offer BTEC Level 2 and Foundation options, along with GCSE Maths and English language retakes.

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Students

At Saint Francis Xavier, we develop the whole person. Our commitment goes beyond academic achievement; we equip students with the confidence, values, and skills needed to thrive in higher education, employment, and adult life. With an extensive range of courses, our students receive expert teaching in our modern, state-of-the-art facilities.

Parents & Carers

Personal Tutors will work with both you and your student to overcome any obstacles and achieve their potential. We build a positive ethos around learning and behaviour, support students with discussion and advice, invite you to progress review evenings, provide each student with an Individual Learning Plan (ILP), and send you full reports.

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Saint Francis Xavier Sixth Form College announces excellent 2025 Level 3 examination results

We congratulate all our students who received their excellent public examination results today. We are delighted to see results improving on last year’s impressive pass rates across A level, BTEC, CTEC and UAL courses. Our second year T Level results have also been excellent. The overall pass rate at Level 3 was 97%, including 50% […]

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Saint Francis Xavier Sixth Form College was filled with colour, flavour, and pride as we hosted our much-anticipated Culture Day — a joyful celebration of the rich diversity that makes our college community so special. We are proud to be a truly inclusive college, welcoming students and staff from a wide range of cultural and […]

SFX Young Enterprise Team Wins Regional Final at Samsung KX

We’re incredibly proud to announce that our Young Enterprise team, Nexora, has won the Central, North & West London Final, held at the prestigious Samsung KX venue in King’s Cross. Representing St Francis Xavier Catholic Sixth Form College, students Guilherme, Nawid, Tiago, Ruan and Kevin competed against seven other schools in a high-pressure final that tested their innovation, professionalism and business […]

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English Language and Literature