English Language
Level 3
Qualification: A Level
Duration: 2 years
What will I study?
Are you fascinated by the ways we use language to communicate verbally and in writing? Are you interested in learning how and why the English language has changed over the centuries? Do you find yourself wondering what has impacted on someone’s use of the language and to what extent, for example, does their social background, geographical location or occupation shape how they speak?
Studying English Language at A level will allow you to study the different varieties of English, both in the British Isles and globally, examining how the English language has evolved over the centuries. Integral to the course is the exploration of attitudes to language diversity and change and how these attitudes are expressed in society. Studying how children acquire speech will also be a key part of your course.
The course includes the following areas of study:
• Textual variations and representations
• Children’s language development
• Language diversity and change
• Language discourses
• Writing skills
• Language investigation
• Original writing
You will develop a range of technical skills to enable you to discuss levels of meaning in texts and to evaluate ideas and issues in language study. For the Non-Exam Assessment aspect of the course (20% of the final grade), A level students will conduct a language investigation and produce a piece of original writing.
Study Visits
Day schools at local universities.
Cost
Normally no more than £15-£20 per visit.
Assessment
Paper 1 – Language, the Individual and Society (40% of your A level grade)
Paper 2 – Language Diversity and Change (40% of your grade)
Paper 3 – Coursework (20%) – assessed internally by your teacher and moderated externally.
Entry Criteria
Grade 5 English. Grade 5 in English Literature if taken.
Useful Supporting Courses
This A level course goes well with almost any combination of subjects. Courses such as English Literature, Law, Spanish/French/German, History, Sociology, Film Studies or Media will all go well with this English Language A level.
Careers
Studying English Language at A level and then further will open doors to a number of professions: journalism, public relations, advertising, publishing, marketing, theatre, teaching, business management, etc.
Culture Vulture
Check out our Culture Vulture link to see what takes your interest.
A Level English Language Culture Vulture
Flying start
Click the link and have a go at our 10-week learning plan to get you off to the best start.
Flying start tasks English Language A Level
Course Overview
Follow the link to see an introduction to the course, identifying what you will study with us in the first few months and what you might already know.