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English Language (Alton)

A Level

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English Language (Alton)

A Level

Availability & Details

English Language - A Level AF1-ENLAAL/C01

Venue
Alton Campus

Type of study
A Levels

Dates
Academic Year 2026-27 (2 years)

Examination board
Pearson Education Ltd (Formerly EDEXCEL)

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Overview

English Language is a fascinating subject. You’ll study grammar, how children learn to speak and write, how language varies and develops over time and other issues such as the effect of language on our perception of the world. The foundation of the English Language A Level course is the analysis of both written and spoken language, which will enable you to understand how texts work and to effectively write your own. The coursework offers you free choice to develop your own original writing, so whether you are interested in sports journalism or creative writing, you choose.

Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above. You must have achieved at least a grade 5 in English Language or English Literature.

You will study:

  • Language & Individual Variation. Have you ever wondered why people use language so differently? Is it true that females ‘gossip’, males ‘swear’ and all teenagers use ‘like’? This section is where you find out what’s really going on when we use language.
  • Language Variation over time. This section studies how and why language changes. Why do we no longer use ‘thee’ and ‘thou’? Is English really getting worse? And what exactly is a “hopper arsed hoddy doddy”?
  • Child Language. This section covers how humans are able to acquire speech so quickly and to such a high level. It also covers how children are taught to read and write.
  • Language Investigation. You will investigate a range of language issues around Language & Gender, and Language & Journalism. You will develop your own skills as a researcher and find data.
  • Coursework – this is where you get to choose. You will produce two pieces of original writing and a commentary.

Activities are wide-ranging, from debates to data analysis, research to individual writing. We also organise a range of trips to help your learning and understanding of context.

20% coursework 80% exams – made up of three exam papers; Variation, Child Language and Investigating Language.

Printing costs £10 per year.
Optional trips from £20 each.

I overcame a couple of barriers by working really hard to get the top grades. My experience was really good, with the course and the lecturers, the residentials and activities, together it was all really good. I had really great teaching support, I could always go to the lecturers and speak to them if I needed to.

David Stenning, Public Services student

“I owe the staff a lot and I wouldn't be where I am today without them.”

Tom Andrews, A Level Student

Everyone at the College was really helpful, and there’s lots of facilities, meaning it’s very easy to get your work done on time, and get good grades. The teaching and support was excellent, they were always on top of it, and made sure you got work done on time and you were challenged. Everyone is friendly and its really diverse, meaning you can get involved in lots of different things.

Conor Ward, BTEC student