If you have ever been surprised, delighted, intrigued or annoyed by the language someone has used, this is the course for you because we explore language in all its many glorious varieties.
Differently from English Literature, there are no ‘set texts’, and our focus in English Language is on language in all its many and varied forms! This includes spoken as well as written language.
You will study a wide range of written and spoken texts, from written reviews, recipes, blogs, YouTube comment threads and magazine articles, to the speech used by contestants on ‘I’m a Celebrity’ and by teachers speaking to students. In doing this your teachers will help you develop the skills you need to analyse and evaluate language, and you will learn the grammatical terminology you need to explain your points precisely.
You will also develop your understanding of some key language issues such as language and power, politeness, how people adapt their language in different situations, and what Standard and Non-Standard English really are. Coursework comprises 20% of your overall grade and offers you the opportunity to explore how language is used to create a specific identity in society.
Creative writing for different audiences and purposes is also part of the course, and you will enjoy creating a scrapbook of different fiction and non-fiction genres to which you will add your own creative writing texts.
English Language A-Level is a highly regarded academic subject.
It is an essential qualification for most degrees in English Language or Linguistics and in Speech Therapy but is also widely recognised as useful for degrees in English Literature, Creative Writing, Media and Communication, Modern Foreign Languages, Journalism, Law, Philosophy, Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, Politics, and teacher education.
Alongside careers such as publishing, the legal profession, television and radio production, advertising, marketing and librarianship, the study of English Language is an excellent preparation for work in the charity sector, arts administration, HR, the civil service, the intelligence services, business, and AI. Many language experts employed by companies developing search engine software and digital assistants such as Alexa.
Though mainly assessed through exams, there will be 20% coursework. You will get lots of opportunities to research and discuss personal areas of interest.
Level: A Level
Examining Board: Eduqas
Examining Board: Eduqas
Entry Requirements:
General College entry requirements.
Grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language and grade 4 GCSE English Literature. If Literature hasn’t been studied it must be because of timetabling issues, for example, having to choose between Literature and another subject.
Great subjects to partner English Language A Level:
English Literature, Modern Foreign Languages, Media Studies, History, Politics, Theatre Studies, Psychology, Geography, Law.
There’s a wealth of career and further study options open to students who choose this A Level.
We offer a range of English courses, so to discuss which will suit you best do get in touch.