English Course Overview

English A level Extended Diploma

We study a combined English Language and Literature course which offers the best of both worlds- we study traditional and modern texts including Dracula, 1984 and contemporary theatre. We also look at nonfiction and journalism as well as completing creative writing coursework based on renowned authors and current affairs issues. This is a challenging course which is highly regarded by universities and employers, offering up to 120 UCAS points. We believe the English A level pathway offers a thought-provoking insight into some of the world's most celebrated writers and stimulates songwriting and creativity in the music course. If you'd like to see a sample of some of the A level creative writing, please go to the ELAM Voices section of the website.

English Level 3 Extended Diploma (studied alongside Level 3 mathematics)

We work on a bespoke two year programme tailored to the music industry which culminates in the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification), a qualification which has the same UCAS points as an AS level. The EPQ is widely recognised and growing in popularity; it had 35 000 entries nationally last year which is similar to art and geography A level entries. Trainees at ELAM prepare for the project by studying songwriting, music journalism, novels, theatre texts, poetry, primary and secondary research skills and redrafting and evaluation skills. Trainees will also learn about current affairs which will help inform their individual project title. Trainees will typically choose a songwriting portfolio, an extract from a novel or a music journalism portfolio as their final artefact which they submit in the second year alongside a substantial research log. If you'd like to see a sample of some of the A level creative writing, please go to the ELAM Voices section of the website.

English GCSE

We currently enter trainees who have not yet achieved their GCSE in English for the iGCSE in English Language. This qualification is 100% exam based and allows trainees to enter in January and therefore pass the qualification quickly. The course focuses on an anthology instead of novels so revision is very manageable and the course is accessible regardless of which texts young people have studied in their previous schools. The exam is 'untiered' which means that successful candidates can achieve up to an A* grade. In fact, at ELAM, more than 1/3 of trainees in 2016 achieved an A or a B grade  in their GCSE English retake.