English language
A-level
One-year AS/two-year A-level
English is a diverse and influential language. This programme allows you to study the role English plays in society, our attitudes towards it and how we exploit it to suit a variety of purposes and audiences. You will develop your writing skills so that you can adapt your style for different audiences.
Required qualifications
Five or more A*-C grades at GCSE including English language.
What will I study?
The course will focus on:
- writing for many audiences and purposes (whether to instruct and advise, inform, persuade or entertain)
- why people use different accents and dialects of English
- how people in power use language differently
- how people use language at work
- how language has changed over time
- how children learn their first language.
On the course you will:
- investigate an area of language that interests you
- develop your reading and writing skills
- record spoken English for your own analysis
- visit places where recordings are used to inform and entertain visitors
- read and discuss many examples of spoken and written English
- develop ways of analysing the examples of language that you study.
Method of assessment
Coursework is a big component of this subject and accounts for a third of the marks. You will sit two written examinations each year and submit a folder of coursework, made up of your best writing during the year.
What will I be able to progress to?
The writing and analytical skills you gain in English language will help you in higher education, as well as in many careers, such as journalism, media, education and business. Zoe Gavriel (ex-Kingsford Community School) studied this subject as one of her A-levels and achieved a grade B. She is now studying psychology at Kingston University.
Other information
We also offer a specialist pathway in journalism and media for students keen to pursue further study and careers in these areas.