English Language A Level

This A level is for students who enjoy looking closely at a range of language mediums and who have an interest in current affairs and topical issues and debates. Students need to be able to read texts analytically and be able to express personal opinions.

English language examinations cover: child language development and language change, language production and variation through different forms, language diversity: social groups, occupation, gender, religion and ethnicity.

This is a two year course that will be examined at the end of Year 13 and result in an A level qualification. There are two final exams, each 2 hours 30 minutes long and are a series of essay style questions.

English language NEA comprises of a creative writing portfolio and commentary and language investigation (a focus of linguistic interest to the individual student). The coursework is worth 20% of the overall A level grade.

A Grade 6 in either GCSE English Language or GCSE English Literature is needed.

English language is a very well respected A level. It is an excellent foundation for any degree involving essay writing, media or communication. In terms of future employment English can lead to a very wide range of careers including teaching or lecturing, writing, editing, publishing, journalism, working in the media or anything where communication or working with people is important.