A Level English Language

Level: 3 | Duration: 2 Years | Details: September | Exam Board: AQA

Please note all of our A Level subjects must be studied as part of a full time A Level programme. You will choose 3 A level subjects to study over two years.

What is this course about?
You will participate in a whole range of activities and writing assignments, contributing to group discussions, presentations and a wide variety of teaching and learning activities. You need to have an interest in how language is used in a wide variety of spoken and written texts, and a desire to analyse its usage critically and rigorously. English Language at A Level will further develop your GCSE skills and give you the opportunity to gain many new different English Language skills. You will explore data and examples of language in use, including electronic and multimodal forms; you will learn and apply the theories behind our use of language; and you will become an expert in using terminology accurately to analyse and evaluate a range of texts.

You will study historical, geographical, social and individual varieties of English as well as exploring issues such as language and identity. In your second year you will undertake an independent coursework unit which will be worth 20% of your grade; other elements will be assessed through examinations at the end of the two year course. You will make links between the various elements of the course throughout the two years and demonstrate your knowledge and skills throughout.

Why choose this course?
You will be taught by excellent, well qualified teachers who put students at the heart of the curriculum. You will find that your teachers are enthusiastic, approachable and encouraging. Taking English Language at A Level is a fantastic way to explore the language you encounter every day of your life, and to learn the skills which will not only help you to analyse that language – you will also develop your own communication skills in both speech and writing, making you a good candidate for University and making you more employable.

Entry requirements:
A minimum of 3 x 5’s and 2 x 4’s at GCSE including a Grade 5 in English Language, a Grade 5 in Maths and a Grade 5 in another written subject.

What will this course lead on to?
Studying A Level English Language will open a wide range of career opportunities to you. Many employers look for potential employees with an A Level in English, as it shows that you have good communication skills. At degree level, you can choose to study English Language, Linguistics or a whole range of courses which combine English with other subjects. Our students have gone on to a wide range of careers including speech therapy, journalism, teaching and the law.

What will I learn on this course?
In year 1, you will discover the ways in which people communicate with others; and what makes us use language differently depending on the precise context. You will be able to use a variety of terminology to analyse texts, ranging from text messages to formal political speeches and to also see how identity can be detected from the way someone uses language, reaching conclusions about gender, age, occupation and social class. You will also explore how children develop spoken and written language. 

Enrichment Opportunities
You can take part in any Enrichment programme, but for English-based ones you can choose to join the poetry writing competition club and online language conferences from Emagazine. There are also various sporting activities on offer. You may also take part in our Professional Programmes and our Prestigious University Programme if you are identified as a High Achiever.

How will I be assessed?
Short testing, written homework assignments, timed essays, mock examinations, group work, research tasks, a coursework folder (20%) and formal written exams (80%). 

Are there any costs associated with this course?
There are no costs directly associated with the course although your teacher will recommend reading/textbooks which you may wish to purchase yourself. If you go on any trips, there will be ticket and transport costs associated with these.

Facilities:
You will work in traditional classrooms as well as accessing our computer suites and our Library, and using iPads in some lessons.

What Cronton A Level students say?
“I have enjoyed the detailed analytical elements of the course and studying gender theory from sociolinguistics. I am going on to study Primary Education, specialising in English Language” (Rosie Stone, current Year 2 English Language A Level student)

The Cronton Experience:
During your time at Cronton Sixth Form College, you will have the opportunity to take part in a number of different enrichment activities in your free time. These will increase your enjoyment of your studies and equip you for further success. Click the image below for more information!