Academic Pathways

At ELAM, every trainee combines their creative strand with one academic qualification to support their wider ambitions whether that’s entering a role in the creative industry, progressing to university, or securing an apprenticeship.

Language Arts

A Level English Language and Literature

Exam Board: Pearson
Course Length: 2 years
Teaching Time: 6 lessons per week

Course Overview

A Level English Language and Literature is a rigorous and rewarding course that develops students into confident, independent thinkers. Building on GCSE foundations, the course sharpens analytical and evaluative skills while encouraging students to explore language, literature, and meaning in depth. Students engage critically with a wide range of texts, examining how writers shape ideas, identities, and cultural perspectives. Through close reading, discussion, and extended writing, learners gain strong academic skills and cultural awareness that prepare them for university study and a variety of creative and professional pathways.

What Will I Study?

Students will develop sophisticated skills in interpretation and argument, learning how to support ideas with precise textual evidence. The course includes the study of diverse literary and non-fiction texts, such as:

  • Dracula – Bram Stoker

  • The Prince’s Progress and Other Poems – Christina Rossetti

  • Elmina’s Kitchen – Kwame Kwei-Armah

  • Pearson Voices Anthology (Non-fiction)

Students explore key questions around culture, identity, conflict, and power, considering how texts are shaped by their historical and social contexts. Independent reading, critical debate, and confident written expression are central to the course.

Assessment

  • 80% Examination

  • 20% Coursework

Progression Opportunities

A Level English Language and Literature develops highly transferable skills in analysis, communication, and critical thinking. It provides excellent preparation for degrees and careers in areas such as journalism, teaching, publishing, scriptwriting, law, marketing, and the creative industries, including film, games, and music.

Entry Requirements

  • GCSE English Language and English Literature: Grade 7 or above

  • A combination of Grade 6 and 7 may be considered in consultation with the Head of Department

Creative Writing - Level 3

Exam Board: Pearson
Course Length: 2 years
Teaching Time: 3 lessons per week

Course Overview

Creative Writing (EPQ) is an inspiring and ambitious course designed to help students develop their own distinctive writing voice while completing an extended independent project. At the heart of the course is creativity, originality, and ownership. Students explore a wide range of genres and styles before planning, researching, and producing a substantial piece of original writing they can take real pride in. Drawing inspiration from poets, novelists, journalists, and contemporary writers from diverse backgrounds, the course encourages students to tell meaningful, engaging stories rooted in both personal experience and the wider world.

What Will I Study?

In Year 12, students explore writing across poetry, fiction, and non-fiction to build skills and confidence before shaping their final project. Areas of study include:

  • Poetry forms such as Romantic, Confessional, Spoken Word, and Protest Poetry

  • Fiction writing, including close study of Open Water

  • Non-fiction and digital genres such as podcasts, TED Talks, memoirs, and opinion writing

Students learn how to research ideas, plan ambitious projects, draft and redraft work, and respond to feedback. Throughout the course, there is a strong focus on developing writing that connects with real audiences, helping students become reflective, confident, and versatile writers.

Assessment

  • 100% Independent Project

  • No exams

Assessment is based on project planning, research, drafting, reflection, and evaluation. Students produce a production log, a creative artefact with drafts and reflections, and deliver a final presentation.

Progression Opportunities

This course provides excellent preparation for careers in the creative industries, including journalism, scriptwriting for film, games, and podcasts, and songwriting. Students also gain highly transferable skills such as project management, research, editing, and critical reflection, which are valuable in higher education and a wide range of professions.

Entry Requirements

  • GCSE English Language or English Literature: Grade 4 or above

Mathematical Studies – Level 3

Level 3 Certificate in Mathematical Studies (Core Maths)

Exam Board: AQA
Course Length: 1 year
Teaching Time: 3 lessons per week


Course Overview

Mathematical Studies (Core Maths) is a practical and relevant qualification designed to support students pursuing creative and professional pathways. Rather than focusing on abstract theory, the course applies maths to real-life and industry-based contexts. Students develop confidence in using mathematics to make informed decisions, manage projects, and solve everyday problems. Core Maths is particularly valuable for students who want to strengthen their numerical skills while preparing for creative careers, self-employment, or further study.

What Will I Study?

Students learn how to apply maths to meaningful, real-world situations, including:

  • Financial maths such as budgeting, tax, interest, and cost planning

  • Statistics and probability, with a focus on interpreting and analysing data

  • Using data to support decision-making in everyday life and creative industries

  • Developing analytical and numerical skills valued by universities and employers

The course emphasises practical problem-solving and critical thinking, helping students understand how maths can support planning, production, and business decisions in creative fields.

Assessment

  • 100% Examination

Assessment consists of two written exam papers, each lasting 1 hour 30 minutes and worth 50% of the final grade.

  • No coursework

  • Calculators are permitted in both exams

Progression Opportunities

Core Maths develops essential skills for both everyday life and the workplace. Students gain financial literacy to manage money confidently, particularly useful for self-employed creatives or those planning to run their own business. The course also strengthens problem-solving, project management, and analytical thinking skills that are highly valued across a wide range of university courses and careers.

Entry Requirements

  • GCSE Mathematics: Grade 5 or above