Course Overview

What will I be studying across the two years?

An A Level in English Language will enable you to get to know your mother tongue better, like the ways it adapts according to who one’s audience is, in which context it is being spoken and the speaker or writer’s intended meaning. Being able to understand these complexities as well as identify them correctly can help you to become a better overall communicator.

Ultimately, the study of English Language at A Level will encourage you to discover language, the way in which we use it, the way in which it has changed over time and the variations and manipulations that have emerged due to cultural development. As such, you will observe how language has evolved over the centuries and where different dialects and accents became prominent across the regions that make up this country. Moving forward from here, you will begin to develop your own identity and style of writing, making use of your newfound discoveries.

One of the most interesting parts of this course, however, is the exploration of how children learn to speak English. This fascinating module sets out the different processes involved in acquiring a mother-tongue language: influences from the mother and father, interaction with objects, surroundings, etc... This is a particularly eye-opening lesson and one that will surely contribute to your appreciation of language.

Coursework time! For your coursework you will complete an investigation into an area of your choice. You will carry out an independent study project and write a report on your findings. This goes towards 20% of your final A Level.