Why study A level English language?
If you have a genuine interest in language development and analysis, English language is the course for you. The course will involve the exploration and analysis of various forms of spoken, written and ‘electronic’ English ranging from spontaneous, colloquial conversations, text messages and voiceovers to written texts produced for a specific audience and purpose. You will analyse and evaluate how language varieties have influenced the construction of a text. You will also produce original writing for a real-world purpose on a topical language issue and undertake a language investigation.
Level: A level
Board: AQA
Head of department:
Mr K Ferguson
Entry requirement: Grade 6 GCSE English language; five grade 5s at GCSE including
maths
How will A level English language be delivered and assessed?
| Component | Topic | Assessment |
| Paper 1: Language, the individual and society | Textual variation and representation – analysis of how language is shaped for audience and purpose | 2-hour and 30-minute written exam (40%) |
| Child language development – how children learn language and how this is theorised | Textual analysis and discursive essay | |
| Introduction to methods of language analysis – using frameworks for linguistic analysis | ||
| Paper 2: Language diversity and change | Language change – how and why English has changed over time | 2-hour and 30-minute written exam (40%) |
| Language diversity – how language varies by region, gender, ethnicity, occupation | Essay, article, directed writing | |
| Attitudes to language – evaluation and construction of arguments around language issues | ||
| NEA: Language in action | Independent language investigation – student-led research project (e.g., gender and social media, regional dialect) | Internally assessed, externally moderated coursework (20%) |
| Original writing and commentary – creative writing in chosen genre with analytical commentary |
