Other Courses

A Level English Language

Wigston College

Station Road , Wigston , Leicester , Leicestershire, LE18 2DS

GCE A/AS Level or Equivalent

Level 3

Available start dates

Tuesday, 01 September 2026

Wigston College

Application Instructions

Please apply via PS16. Any applications received by 31/1/25 are guaranteed an interview in February - April 2025, as long as minimum entry requirements are met. Offers are made after interview.

Course Summary

Paper 1 [40%] Language, the individual and society

This paper focuses on textual analysis skills of both spoken and written English within varying contexts. You will develop your technical understanding of English and the component parts which help to create meaning as well as examine how language use can help us to understand social history. You will also study child language acquisition, looking at the stages of how children learn to speak and write, analysing data sets to put your theoretical understanding into practice.

Paper 2 [40%] Language, diversity and change

You will study a wide range of theoretical approaches to language examining the perceived importance of gender, accent, world English, occupation and class in our language use. You will develop your written debating skills as you produce balanced arguments which explore how our lives impact our language and how this changes over time. The consideration of change in language – both the processes it goes through and the sociological drivers of such change – allow in depth exploration of not just the how but also the why of language development.

NEA [20%] Language in Action

The NEA is made up of two parts: an investigation into a language topic of your choice and a piece of original writing which adapts a style model for your own exploration of an area of your interest. Your focus is limited only by your interests here – from the gendered use of language on ‘The Great British Break Off’ to synthetic personalisation in political speeches to patterns of speech in children’s books; the choice is yours.

Course Details

The course is taught by experienced and knowledgeable staff with a love of their subject. You will develop skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening as well as broadening your horizons in a range of other interrelated disciplines – politics, sociology, history, media studies and more are all relevant to the themes and ideas explored in English Language. Essays form a key part our classroom practice but there are also many opportunities for discussion and presenting, independent research and group investigation. The very nature of the course rewards wider reading and viewing to round your linguistic understanding.

How will it be delivered and assessed?

Paper 1: Language, the individual and society – 2 ½ hour examination 40%. This examination takes place in May/June at the end of year 13 and is assessed externally.

Paper 2: Language, diversity and change – 2.5-hour examination – 40%. This examination takes place in June at the end of year 13 and is assessed externally.

NEA: Language in Action – 2,500 coursework folder – 20%. This original writing is introduced in the summer term of year 12 with final drafts due in September of year 13. The investigation begins in September of year 13 with final drafts due in by January. The NEA is assessed internally and moderated by AQA experts externally.

Entry requirements

GCSE Grade 5 in English Language and English Literature.

Your next steps...

With so many skills which work in so many environments, English Language opens numerous pathways. Previous students have gone on to study creative writing, communication studies, linguistics and performance arts alongside English Language and/or Literature itself. However, that only scratches the surface. We have lawyers, historians, teachers, journalists, social scientists, charity workers, marketing and media personnel – the list really does go on.

Many students choose to go on to degree level qualifications but the nature of communicative skills inherent in English also allow for degree level apprenticeship applications and other vocational training.

For more courses like this, check our courses page.