What is A Level Language?

A Level Language is very different to what you know from GCSE English Language. You will learn about the language you use and read every day – how it is structured and adapted by its users. We also focus on what research can tell us about how language might be affected by the way a person wants to project an image of themselves, by their status, gender, interests or because of where they live.

What do I need to study A Level English Language?

You will have gained Grade 5 or above in English Language and Grade 5 in English Literature. You will be someone who finds reading rewarding and reads widely and independently outside of school. You will also be somebody who enjoys analysing language and has a genuine curiosity about the meanings behind texts.

What does the course involve?

• Textual variations and representations – How is language used to create meanings?
• Children’s Language Development – How do children learn to speak, read and write?
• Language Diversity and Change – How can language differ amongst individuals, between groups or over time?
• Language Discourses – What different viewpoints are held about language?
• Writing skills – How can we communicate ideas about language to non-specialist readers?
• Language Investigation – What would I like to investigate about language?
• Original writing – How can I adapt genre conventions and my language choices to challenge and engage my reader?

This will include the analysis and comparison of spoken texts. We will also teach you how to formulate a clear argument in discursive and evaluative essays. You will analyse how texts use language to present ideas, attitudes and opinions. For the coursework, you will produce a piece of original writing and commentary in Year 12, (1,500 in total) and a language investigation in Year 13 (2,000 words excluding data).

How is it examined?

• Paper 1: Language, the individual and society. 2.5 hours. 40% of A Level
• Paper 2: Language diversity and change. 2.5 hours. 40% of A Level
• Coursework: Language in action. 20% of A Level

What will I be able to do?

A qualification in this subject is valuable for any university arts, social sciences, linguistics or humanities degree course. If you want to include English Literature in university study, you should also follow an A Level course in literature.