English Language A-Level

What is the English Language A-Level?

The English Language A-Level is the study of spoken and written words and how writers use language to fulfil purposes, target specific audiences, reveal attitudes and evoke emotions. The course is quite technical and you will be equipped with the tools and vocabulary to deconstruct texts in detail, looking specifically at how words and grammatical structures can affect meaning.

What Will You Study?

English Language Reading List >

• Non-fiction analysis and production (e.g. travel, review and advice writing etc.)
• Fiction analysis and production (e.g. dystopian, gothic and crime etc.)
• Conversation Analysis
• Power and Political Language
• Standard and Non-Standard English
• Child Language Development
• Language Change – The History of English and Language of 21^st Century
• Gender

What Next?

The English Language provides a good range of core academic, analytical and written skills. It can lead to a variety of degrees and career paths, including specialist areas such as Speech Therapy, Publishing, Journalism and Teaching. Many students who study this subject go on to follow programmes in Journalism, Teaching, Marketing, Human Resources and Advertising.

Exam Board

AQA

Entry Requirements

At least five 5s at GCSE, including at least a 5 in English Language.

Have you considered studying a Mixed Programme (A-Levels and Btecs) Whether you’re on target to achieve five 5s in your GCSEs or not there may still be an option to study A-Levels alongside a BTEC qualification at Newman.

Course Type

A-Level

What other subjects go well with this subject?

For students who are keen to study English at university, taking English Language with English Literature is a favoured combination. Other popular subjects include; Media Studies, French, German, Spanish, Sociology, and Psychology.

Subject Spotlight

Each month we are throwing a spotlight onto a different subject so that you can find out more about what it is really like to study that subject at Newman.

There are three A-Levels in English to choose from at Newman, there is English Language, English Literature and English Combined, which as the name suggests, is a combination of the two subjects.  

English at Newman is based in the St Cecilia Building and takes over the entire second floor – it’s a big subject! We have 11 dedicated English teachers, who specialise in the subject and are always on hand to offer support with your studies. 

 To find out what it is really like to study English Language A-Level at Newman, we chatted to Zahra Abbas a Year 12 student, who is currently studying A-Levels in English Language and Drama & Theatre Studies, alongside a BTEC in Musical Theatre. Here’s what she said: 

English Language Subject Spotlight >