A-Level

English Language

A light bulb with English Language bubbles coming off from it
English Language

Entry Criteria

Five GCSEs

Grade 5

English GCSE

Grade 6

Careers

English A-Level courses which are very popular can be split into English Language (looking in detail at the structure of language) and English Literature, looking in detail at texts form books, plays and poetry. Both are useful for all jobs as they help develop important analysis and written communication skills. Most employers want people with good English skills. If you enjoy English you could use your creative and analytical skills to work in a huge range of different career areas. If you are interested in the Arts and like reading, media, the theatre or events, there are many opportunities in broadcasting, publishing and arts management. If you prefer debating and formulating persuasive arguments you may enjoy law, politics and government or business roles. English combines well with all subjects. 

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If you require any further information about the curriculum we are following in this subject, please click here to contact the Head of Faculty/Department.

Course ID
AQA 7702
Faculty
English
Department
English
Level
A-Level
Head of Faculty
M. Parfitt
Head of Department
A. Hinchin
Availability
Currently Studied, Offered Next Academic Year (subject to enrolment numbers)
English Language

Course Overview

The exciting world of English Language is waiting for you at EBS. This course is perfect for those who are curious about how language works, how it shapes our identities, and how it influences society. The A-Level English Language course, offers a unique blend of analysis, debate, and exploration, giving you the tools to understand language in a whole new way.

In Year 12, you will look at fascinating topics like Language and Region, Language and Gender, Language and Social Groups, and Language and Technology. Through these themes, you will uncover how language is shaped by who we are, where we’re from, and the communities we belong to. You will analyse real-world texts, using frameworks for textual analysis to evaluate how meanings and representations are created

In Year 13, focus broadens to cover more complex topics such as Child Language Acquisition, discovering how we learn language as infants, and Language Change, examining how English has evolved over time. You will also explore English as a Global Language, looking at how English connects and sometimes divides people worldwide. These studies don’t just add to your knowledge – they give a fresh perspective on how language impacts everything, from social media to international relations.

Assessment takes place at the end of the two-year course, with two final exams and an internal assessment at the end of Year 12. Plus, the Non-Examination Assessment (NEA) is a unique chance to research and write about a language topic of your choice, making up 20% of your overall grade.

Course Content

Year 12

Term Unit of Work Assessment
Autumn 1 Language Change
Language and Gender
Unseen text comparisons
Article writing
Presentations
Evaluative Critical Essays
Autumn 2 Language Change
Language and Gender
Unseen text comparisons
Article writing
Presentations
Evaluative Critical Essays
Spring 1 Social Groups
Region
Unseen text comparisons
Article writing
Presentations
Evaluative Critical Essays
Spring 2 Occupation
Meanings and Representations
Unseen text comparisons
Article writing
Presentations
Evaluative Critical Essays
Summer 1 World English
Child Language Acquisition
Unseen text comparisons
Article writing
Presentations
Evaluative Critical Essays
Summer 2 World English
Child Language Acquisition
Unseen text comparisons
Article writing
Presentations
Evaluative Critical Essays

 

Year 13

Term Unit of Work Assessment
Autumn 1 Coursework Component
Language Investigation
Original Writing
Unseen text comparisons
Article writing
Presentations
Evaluative Critical Essays
Autumn 2 Paper 1 & 2 Preparation
Child Language Acquisition
Meanings and Representations
World English / Region
Unseen text comparisons
Article writing
Presentations
Evaluative Critical Essays
Spring 1 Paper 1 & 2 Preparation
Language Change
Gender
Unseen text comparisons
Article writing
Presentations
Evaluative Critical Essays
Spring 2 Paper 1 & 2 Preparation
Social Groups
Occupation
Region / Technology / Gender
Unseen text comparisons
Article writing
Presentations
Evaluative Critical Essays
Summer 1 Exam Revision  
Summer 2 Exam Revision  

 

Extended Learning

Year 12

Websites Read Visit or Watch Extra
AQA Specification; Seneca Learning – tailored to the AQA English A Level specification. A/AS Level English Language for AQA (Marcello Giovanelli) – online access is provided to students; Emag:
Login: EBSStudent
Password: EBSLibrary;
Newspapers for Schools
Login: library@eastbarnetschool.com
Password: ebsstudent1
The Guardian – Mind Your Language; Debuk; EngLangBlog. Sixth Form Leadership.

 

Year 13

Websites Read Visit or Watch Extra
AQA Specification; Seneca Learning – tailored to the AQA English A Level specification. Wider reading, especially of media texts and newspapers. The Guardian – Mind Your Language; Debuk; EngLangBlog. Visit to Brookhill Nursery. Sixth Form Leadership.