A Levels - A Level English Language

Are you curious about how language works? Do you want to learn about the power of language? On the A Level English Language course you will learn how to analyse a range of different types of texts using a variety of linguistic methods. You will be equipped with your very own linguistic toolkit which will allow you to explore language in use and how language varies in different contexts. It will show you how confident, clever understanding of communication is manipulative. You will have the opportunity to become a confident writer and analyser.

What you will study

The topics you will study on the A Level English Language course include:

Textual Variation and Representation; Language and Gender; Language relating to Occupation, Region, Social Groups and Ethnicity; Child Language Acquisition; Language Change and World Englishes.

During your A Level English Language studies, you will explore a range of historic and contemporary spoken, written and multimodal texts. You will examine how specific meanings are created within many areas of language and society.

You will develop an understanding of key concepts surrounding language used within society.

You will be given the opportunity to explore the ways in which children acquire language skills, including how they develop speech, learn to read and write. In addition, you will look back at the history of the English language and make predictions about the future of the language, exploring different varieties along the way.

You will also conduct your own independent research on a topic of your choice and you get the chance to create your own piece of original writing, which will be accompanied by an evaluative commentary of your work.

External assessment will be undertaken at the end of Year 2. Assessments are as follows:

Paper 1: Language, the Individual and Society- 2 hours 30 minutes (40%)

Paper 2: Language Diversity and Change – 2 hours 30 minutes (40%)

Language in Action (Non-Exam Assessment): Language in Action (20%)

NOTE: The A Level course is 80% exam based and 20% coursework based.

5 GCSEs at grade 9-4, including English Language and maths

Further study

A Level English Language is a recognised qualification for entry into Higher Education, particularly in relation to Arts and Humanities degrees but also relevant for a number of Social Sciences and Applied Science courses. It is also especially appropriate for those wishing to undertake Teacher Training courses. The College's Careers Advice Service can provide details of entry requirements for specific Higher Education institutions.