Welcome to English
Open Evening Recording
Our English open event is now over, click the video to watch the recording!
About English
There's a world of words, wisdom, and wit waiting to be explored in the English Department. With three different A-levels available, there's a course to suit your personal interests and career aspirations. The choice is yours.
A-level English Literature
With A-level English Literature, you will experience a wide range of genres and explore a diverse selection of literary periods; from Shakespeare's play The Tempest, to the award-winning contemporary novel Small Island.
A-level English Literature
- 80% Exams
- 3 x 1.5 hour lessons per week
A-level English Language
English Language is for the analysts and investigators. Study the nature, development, and functions of language. Learn about how we acquire language, how it changes over time, and its relationship with society, whilst exploring a wide range of non-fiction texts.
In this video, meet Tom and Shelema - two current English Language students as they discuss why they love the course.
A-level English Language
- 80% Exams
- 3 x 1.5 hour lessons per week
A-level English Language & Literature
Both worlds collide in our A-level English Language and Literature course. Surround yourself with a wide variety of texts; from spoken language to the poetry of Carol Ann Duffy; contemporary drama such as A Streetcar Named Desire, to non-fiction writing on the city of Paris. Develop the skills needed for linguistic analysis and the recreation of texts.
A-level English Language & Literature
- 80% Exams
- 3 x 1.5 hour lessons per week
Can't Choose?
We know choosing your subjects can be tricky so we created a handy quiz you can download to help you choose between the three English courses that are on offer here at St Brendan's Sixth Form College: English Literature, English Language and English Literature & Language.
TAKE THE QUIZ!
Hetty
Helen
Emma
Colin
Claudia
Meet Your English Teachers!
Our English Teachers have a wealth of expertise.
They come from a range of English, literary and educational backgrounds, ensuring that you learn from real-world knowledge and experience.
Helpful Videos
Take a look at these recordings from our previous Live Events.
Hear our subject specialists talk about different aspects of the courses and answering questions from other students interested in studying our English courses at St Brendan's.
English Open Day
English Open Day FAQs
English Language Student: Joe
'What I find most interesting about English Language is the idea of it being continuous and ever-changing. I chose to study English Language because of my passion for creative writing, however, through taking the course I was also introduced to other topics, such as language and gender.
I particularly enjoyed learning about language and technology. I am going on to Cardiff University, where I will be studying English Language.'
English Literature Student: Saskia
'Literature is a means of capturing and interpreting what has happened and is happening, politically, historically and personally. Words, characters, plot-lines and tropes, give personalities to zeitgeists, making them accessible to an audience of any era.
I hope to continue my study of English Literature at University, after my gap year in Israel. I'm excited to continue exploring its function in society and it's role as an agent of change.'
Saskia Studied: English Literature; Politics; History; Art, Craft & Design
English Alumni: Grace
'I chose English because it had always been my favourite subject and I had always harboured a secret dream to be a writer and I couldn’t bear the thought of stopping studying it after the end of my GCSEs. After St Brendan’s, I decided to follow my heart and took a place studying English at university.
After university, I completed a year of Teacher Training at Bath Spa. It was easily the hardest thing I've ever done in my life but from SATs week to school camps to my Year 6 class' final day of school, it was more than worthwhile. After graduation, it took me a few months to find a job but now I'm teaching my own Year 5 class!'
Grace Studied: English Literature, Biology, Chemistry, Maths
Careers in English
English students from St Brendan's progress to a wide range of university courses and apprenticeships.
Every year our dedicated Careers Teams arrange Careers Fairs and sector-specific events for students to explore all of their options. They also arrange talks from industry experts and St Brendan's Alumni.
Throughout your time at St Brendan's, the Careers Team door is always open for one-to-one appointments and advice and guidance
Use the Pathways tool below to explore various progression routes to numerous careers through Higher Education courses and Apprenticeships.