Our A Level qualification in English Language provides students with a deep knowledge of how the English language works and encourages them to engage creatively within areas of topical debate. Learners will explore language use in various contexts and will carry out an independent investigation in an area of particular interest to them.
Upon the completion of the course students will gain a solid understanding of how the English language works in a variety of contexts. It is advised that students who are considering to sign up for the course should have an interest and find enjoyment in analysing the linguistic features of both written and spoken texts. In return, they will develop essential skills in linguistic analysis and a working knowledge of English language concepts.
Studying English Language at A level is very different from GCSE. The course takes a theory based approach to analysing language, it challenges students to observe language use around us in context.
Awarded By:
Key Facts
Programme Costs:
The fees for this course are currently being confirmed.
Please contact Student Recruitment for more information.
Level:
3
Awarding Body:
Oxford Cambridge & RSA Examinations
Course Code:
- 24/25A1OELN
Mode of Attendance:
- Full Time
Course Duration:
2 Years
Dates:
- September 2024
CourseContent
In Year 12, you will study:
- How to carry out a through linguistic analysis of a variety of written texts.
- Ways to effectively compare the linguistic differences and similarities between spoken and written language.
- Original writing for a real-world purpose on various topical language issues.
- How issues relating to language and gender or language and power influence particular authentic texts.
- How children acquire language and how to analyse features of child language acquisition in transcripts.
In Year 13, you will study:
- Language and technology
- Language in the media
- How language changes over time
Year 13 Non-Examined Assessment (NEA/coursework): 20%
Coursework
content:
- Task 1 – A linguistic investigation into an area of each learner's particular individual interest
- Task 2 – Designing an academic poster
Features/
Benefits
Studying with us will give you the opportunity to find answer to questions such as:
- To what extent would language use be gender specific?
- What linguistic techniques might the media, advertisers and politicians use in order to influence our way of thinking?
- To what extent might our language have changed due to technology and is this change beneficial or harmful to the English language?
- How do children learn to speak?
The details of the course specification can be found at: http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-a-level-gce-english-language-h070-h470-from-2015
Entry
Requirements
Minimum Entry Requirements
All Loughborough College Sixth
Form courses have minimum entry requirements of at least five GCSEs at grade C/4
or above, including English Language and Maths.
Subject Specific Entry Requirements
GCSE English Language
at grade 5.
Assessment
Methods
Two x 2.5 hour exams:
Paper 1: Exploring language - 40%
Paper 2: Dimensions of linguistic
variation - 40%
Coursework: Independent language research - 20%
Progression
Opportunities
English Language provides excellent preparation for the workplace and for university.
The analytical and communication skills you learn provide a good basis for
higher level study in a wide range of subjects. The majority of our
learners decide to take the following career paths: journalism, creative
writing, teaching, academic career, web design, marketing and advertising,
public relations and law.
FAQs
DO YOU OFFER THE EXTENDED PROJECT QUALIFICATION (EPQ)?
- Yes, but only to Year 2 students who have demonstrated in Year 1 that they have the academic ability to cope with this extra research project.
HOW MANY A LEVEL SUBJECTS DO I NEED TO TAKE?
- You will need to choose three subjects minimum with a maximum of 4. See page 5 for more details on subject choices.
I’M INTERESTED IN A LEVELS BUT I’M NOT SURE WHICH ONES
- That’s okay! We know that deciding on A Levels can be a long process and
that you can change your mind—a lot.
When you initially apply, we’ll ask you for your options, but you’re not tied down to these subjects. We’ll confirm your final choices at a later date.
DO I HAVE TO STUDY THE SUBJECT I WANT TO STUDY AT UNIVERSITY AS AN A
LEVEL?
- Not always; it depends on your chosen university course. Subjects like Medicine and Architecture have very specific entry requirements, whereas you can study Psychology or Law at university without having studied them at A Level. Check university entry requirements to see if they are asking for specific subjects.
ARE A LEVELS THE ONLY ROUTE INTO UNIVERSITY?
- No. We also offer Level 3 BTEC Extended Diplomas, which are the equivalent to three A Levels and many universities accept them as an alternative.
CAN I STUDY 3 A LEVELS AND BE A PART OF THE ACADEMY OF SPORT PROGRAMME?
- Yes. Visit the Academy of Sport pages for more information.
CAN I STUDY A DIPLOMA IN SPORT AND ONE A LEVEL?
- Yes, but it is only recommended for high-performing students due to the demands that both courses will place on timetable and ability. We will need to ensure that your combination is suitable for future progression and doesn’t clash on the timetable.
Disclaimer
Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information contained on this website is correct, the College accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Please note that details are subject to change without notice with regard to the provision of courses, course times and dates and the fees and charges levied.