English Language A Level

Our English Language course has been developed to make students aware of the importance of language in society, its power to affect change, form ideas and identities and create meaning. It is a study of linguistics and socio-linguistics. ‘Do twins learn language at the same rate?’, ‘How has the language of the bible changed over time?’, ‘Do TV sports commentators use language differently when commentating on men’s and women’s sports?’ These are just some of the areas that students have investigated in English Language.

The course examines how children learn language and how language has developed over time, the influences that it has encountered and the fashion for particular words. Swear words, for example, change over time and words that were extremely offensive in the past can lose their impact as the language develops. You will also look at how men and women use language differently and to what effect.

A Level English Language is very different to GCSE and gives you the opportunity to study your mother tongue as if it was a foreign language. You will explore the grammar in-depth and learn how to analyse and deconstruct the English language, invaluable skills if you are aiming for a writing or teaching career. The grammatical knowledge will give you an advantage if you are also planning to study a foreign language at the college.

Students study the English Language through a range of different frameworks. This prepares them for the analysis of short texts in the exam. These texts can range from adverts and leaflets to blogs and websites. They also study a range of socio-linguistic topics to help them discuss how language works in society. This involves studying varieties of English such as regional language, global English, occupational language, and language and gender. Students will also take units on children’s language and language change.

The non-examined assessment in English Language comprises of a piece of original writing (usually a piece of opinionative journalism) and an investigation into an area of language study. Students have undertaken research into diverse areas, for example ‘Do twins learn language at the same rate?’, ‘How are immigrants represented in the British press?’, ‘How does a child’s writing develop between the ages of 5 and 7?’, ‘Do TV sports commentators use language differently when commentating on men’s and women’s sports’, ‘How have children’s toy adverts changed over time?’.

This is a 2 year, linear course. The A Level is assessed through 2 exams and a non-examined assessment (coursework).

In addition to the A Level entry requirements of 4 GCSEs at grade 4 including English Language and/or Maths, you will need a grade 5 in GCSE English Language.

You could progress to university, higher apprenticeship or employment