About the Course

You will read and explore the use of language in a variety of texts including advertisements, newspaper articles, short stories, speech transcripts, letters and travel writing.

The course teaches the invaluable skills of analysis. You are also encouraged to write in different styles to meet the needs of a particular audience and then reflect on the techniques used.

The new Language in Action component (coursework) gives students the opportunity to develop their own writing skills. You have the opportunity to explore your own interests for the coursework options in inventive and original ways. 

You will also study theories concerning language itself, including language change, gender, accent and dialect, teen sociolect and child language development.
The course content of this A Level includes an exploration of how people, events, places and cultures are represented in the language of newspapers, television, social media and a variety of other platforms. We explore concepts like stereotyping and the process by which a writer influences their reader

There are two examinations (worth 80% of the overall grade) and the original writing and investigation of the coursework folder comprises 20% of the final A Level grade.

The AQA syllabus can be found by visiting the examination board website. 

 

Key Units

Paper 1 – Language, the Individual and Society

Textual analysis and essay on Child Language Development

Paper 2 – Language Diversity and Change

Essay, analysis and opinion article on change and diversity topics

Non Exam Assessment (NEA coursework)

Language Investigation and Original Writing

Entry Requirements

To study 3 A Levels

5+ GCSEs grade 9-4, including a minimum of grade 4 in English Language and Maths.

Additional Requirements

GCSE grade 9-5 in English Language

The Sheffield Sixth Form welcomes students who have studied vocational qualifications. However, the minimum entry requirements for the A Level programme, as shown above, must be GCSEs.

 

Assessment

The two year A Level consists of two exams and NEA (non-exam assessment).

• Exam 1: Language and the Individual 
• Exam 2: Language Diversity & Change
• NEA: A Language Investigation project (2000 words) and Original Writing and Commentary (1500 words)

 

Where does this Lead

A good command of the English Language is an invaluable tool for any path you choose in life. In academic terms, it gives you an excellent basis for a university degree – a route pursued by many A Level students.

Common degree subjects for students who have taken English Language include:

• English Language/Literature
• Linguistics
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Journalism/Creative Writing

 

Future Opportunities

In terms of career, an ability to analyse text and craft your own writing for particular effect will give you the underpinning skills for a diverse range of jobs including teaching, journalism and law.

 

Tell Me More

Will this subject suit me?

The ideal student would take an interest in developing their reading and writing skills and have a good awareness of culture and issues in the news. You would enjoy the intellectual challenge the subject entails, enjoy creative writing and be prepared to grapple with abstract concepts.

Personal Study Time

A Level students are expected to devote as much time outside the classroom to their studies as in lessons. Homework will be set regularly but students are expected to undertake self-directed research as well. Students will receive effective feedback, guidance and help from their tutors.