Course Entry Requirements

Grade 5 in GCSE English Language and a grade 5 in GCSE English Literature (if studied).

Introduction

English Language is a popular A level appealing to students because it examines texts in the real world such as adverts, newspaper articles and social media platforms.

What you will study

  • How & why language is used in specific ways (audience, purpose & attitudes)
  • Learn and understand new terminology to help you write analytically and concisely
  • Language of speech: a wide range of transcripts from TV & radio, comedy and real-life talk
  • Language Change: covering texts written over time (letters, diaries, adverts, speeches & articles)
  • English in the twenty-first century: examining attitudes to new technology e.g. texts, Twitter & Facebook
  • Language Investigation: coursework investigation on Gender or Culture. You have the freedom to choose your own data

Assessments

  • Three exams at the end of the second year (80%)
  • One piece of Coursework (20%)

Course Support

The English Department takes pride in the level of support we give to our students:

  • Regular individual interviews with your own specific tutor
  • Staff support to enable you to achieve the best grades possible
  • You can ask for help from any tutor
  • Revision classes

Enrichment Activities

  • Theatre visits & trips to places of literary interest
  • Study days on specific exam modules
  • Creative writing workshops
  • Exam preparation delivered by Senior Examiners
  • Conferences on English Language
  • Enrichment Programme offering debating, personal creative writing, poetry group

Progression

English subjects are challenging, but are an excellent preparation both for university and your future career. For instance careers include:

  • Journalism
  • Sales
  • Teaching
  • Management
  • Administration
  • Information management
  • Publishing
  • Careers in public services.

More Information

English Language Course Leaflet

Exam Board Course Specification

Videos

What our students say.

English Language A-Level video thumbnail

 

 

 

What Our Students Say

Studying English Language at Carmel has allowed me to gain invaluable skills such as critically analysing information and communicating effectively in class discussions on a variety of themes & topics such as speech, language in the 21st century and even my own writing.

I particularly enjoy the creative writing element of the subject, as we are challenged to write a wide-range of genres that we’ve not tried before e.g. script writing, monologues and blogs. Also, there is a very fascinating component where we look at ‘Language Issues’, studying a number of case studies and theories on Standard & Non-standard English, Power and Situation.

The staff at Carmel are committed to making sure that you succeed in the subject - they are always there to support you through whole class feedback and individual targets.

I would recommend choosing A Level English Language as it allows you to be very analytical and process information quite quickly. It also opens up a broad range of careers if you feel unsure of a particular career route.

Rozhin Cheraghian

English Language student Rozhin