English Language

Welcome to AS and A Level English Language. Please find links to useful information about this course below. 

Year 12 (AS Level)

In Year 12, you will sit two examination papers: 

• Paper 1 - Reading

• Paper 2 - Writing 

You will study a range of different text types and styles to prepare you for these examinations. 

Such study will involve commenting in depth on how and why writers have achieved a variety of effects through their use of language, structure and literary techniques. It will also involve developing your own use of language, structure and literary techniques to develop mature and sophisticated written responses. 

If you opt to just complete the AS Level, then these papers will contribute 50% each towards your final grade. However, if you opt to pursue the full A-Level then they will contribute 25% each towards your final mark. 

Year 13 (A Level)

In Year 13, you will carry forward your marks from Y12. 

At the end of Y13 you will sit the following papers:

• Paper 3 - Language Analysis

• Paper 4 - Language Topics

All four papers contribute 25% towards your final mark.

You will study a range of different text types and styles to prepare you for these examinations.

Such study will involve learners familiarising themselves with a comprehensive set of tools, strategies and conventions for studying language. This will include the following: developing frameworks for analysing and comparing unseen texts; assimilating a range of appropriate technical terminology; assessing, evaluating and synthesising sources of evidence; carrying out independent research into language concepts; contextualising their views in relation to theories; and understanding language data presented in the form of transcripts, tables and graphs.  

Furthermore, learners will explore how English has continually adapted to reflect changes in the social, cultural, political and technological contexts in which it has been used. Learners will explore the causes and consequences of language change in English, developing their knowledge of the topic through research, analysis, and an understanding of conventional methods of presenting historical language data.

Learners are encouraged to move beyond the practical application of English language, and to engage in a deeper consideration of a number of theoretical issues related to its use. Learners will develop their ability to engage in discussions regarding how the diverse forms of English that exist across the world interact both with one another and with other languages, and, how language use contributes to the construction and development of the self. 

For Paper 4, learners will study two key topics in the field of English language studies: ‘English in the world’ in Section A and ‘Language and the self’ in Section B.

Further details and information can be found in the English Language (9093) AS and A Level syllabus. This can be found here.