A Level: English Language

Our A Level qualification in English Language provides students with a deep knowledge of how the English language works and encourages them to engage creatively within areas of topical debate. Learners will explore language use in various contexts and will carry out an independent investigation in an area of particular interest to them.

Upon the completion of the course students will gain a solid understanding of how the English language works in a variety of contexts. It is advised that students who are considering to sign up for the course should have an interest and find enjoyment in analysing the linguistic features of both written and spoken texts. In return, they will develop essential skills in linguistic analysis and a working knowledge of English language concepts.

Studying English Language at A level is very different from GCSE. The course takes a theory based approach to analysing language, it challenges students to observe language use around us in context.

In Year 12, you will study:

• How to carry out a through linguistic analysis of a variety of written texts.
• Ways to effectively compare the linguistic differences and similarities between spoken and written language.
• Original writing for a real-world purpose on various topical language issues.
• How issues relating to language and gender or language and power influence particular authentic texts.
• How children acquire language and how to analyse features of child language acquisition in transcripts.

In Year 13, you will study:

• Language and technology
• Language in the media
• How language changes over time

Year 13 Non-Examined Assessment (NEA/coursework): 20%

Coursework content:

• Task 1 – A linguistic investigation into an area of each learner's particular individual interest
• Task 2 – Designing an academic poster

Two x 2.5 hour exams

Paper 1: Exploring language - 40%

Paper 2: Dimensions of linguistic variation - 40%

Coursework: Independent language research - 20%

• All Loughborough College Sixth Form courses have minimum entry requirements of at least five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English Language and Maths.

• GCSE English Language at grade 6.

English Language provides excellent preparation for the workplace and for university.

The analytical and communication skills you learn provide a good basis for higher-level study in a wide range of subjects. The majority of our learners decide to take the following career paths: journalism, creative writing, teaching, academic career, web design, marketing and advertising, public relations and law.