English Language - A Level

Students should submit applications by 18 December 2026.

Applications will remain open throughout the year and late applications will be considered; however, students should be aware that they may not receive their preferred choices if a late application is received.

Once applications have been received, all applicants will be invited for an interview to discuss their application and ensure that their subject choices are suitable.

We look forward to welcoming you into our sixth form and to you playing an active part in the life of our Academy.

COURSE OUTLINE

A-Level English Language offers opportunities for students to develop their subject expertise by engaging creatively and critically with a wide range of texts and discourses. Students will create texts and reflect critically on their own processes of production, whilst analysing the texts produced by others. During the course students will explore the study of English Language both as a medium of communication, and as a topic in its own right, with emphasis on the ability of students to pursue lines of enquiry, debate different views, and work independently to research aspects of language in use. Language is seen as a creative tool for expression and social connection, as well as for individual cognition.

Core Content

Language, the individual and society

• Textual variations and representations

• Methods of language analysis

• Children’s language development

Language diversity and change

• Language diversity and change

• Methods of language analysis

• Language discourses

• Writing skills

Language in action – Language Investigation (NEA)

The aim of this area of study is to allow students to explore and analyse language data independently and develop and reflect on their own writing expertise.

Students are required to carry out two different kinds of individual research:

• a language investigation (2000 words excluding data)

• a piece of original writing and commentary (750 words each)

Students can choose to pursue a study of spoken, written or multimodal data, or a mixture of text types, demonstrating knowledge in areas of individual interest.

Paper 1 - 40% written exam

Paper 2 - 40% written exam

NEA - 20%

5 GCSEs at grade 5 or above, to include a 6 in English Language

English Language is a flexible and adaptable subject so future career opportunities are extensive. The subject combines well with many others in both the Arts and Sciences and is particularly suited to Sociology and Psychology. Universities and employers look favourably upon students who have studied A Level English Language, knowing they will have good oral and written communication ability and will have developed useful skills of analysis and interpretation. Careers are varied and many and can include management, research, consultancy, publishing, medicine, teaching, journalism, law, media and advertising.