English Language

Course type: A level & Applied • Awarding/exam body: OCR
On this course you will learn about the structures and functions of the English language as it is used on a day to day basis. You will learn how to analyse a wide range of language data including media, other non-literary texts and spoken language. The course will explore the ways in which children acquire and develop language, how language varies according to social context and the features and causes of language change over time. Likely topics will include the influences of technology on language, the role of language in society and the relationship between language and power and language and gender.

Course Units

Unit 01: Exploring Language
Unit 02: Dimensions of Linguistic Variation
Unit 03: Independent Language Research

Course Assessment

This A level will be assessed by two examinations and a coursework folder of investigative and analytical work.

This Course Can Lead To…

A level English courses form excellent preparation for any one of the wide variety of English courses available in higher education. English is useful for career paths including Journalism, Law, Publishing, the Civil Service, Politics and Teaching.

Entry Requirements

To qualify to study 3 A level/ Applied subjects, you will need to achieve 6 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, preferably including English Language or Maths at grade 4 or above. 

In addition/ within those 6 GCSEs, for this subject you will need to achieve Grade 5 in English Language and Grade 4 English Literature or Grade 4 in English Language and Grade 5 English Literature.

Course Highlights

  • Trips to the EMC English Language conference and a writing workshop at The Guardian
  • Opportunity to be published in the college creative writing anthology. 
  • Enter external creative writing competitions