Course Overview
Please note: you will make your selection of three A Levels once you have progressed into the application process.
Offering clear progression from GCSE English, this course allows you to build on the English skills you have already gained and prepare for your next steps.
With exciting text- and data-based sources of language, the specification introduces study of the English Language in its various forms and contexts, with the methods appropriate for the analysis of language underpinning all elements of the course.
Many students who take English Language enjoy producing their own writing and plan to pursue a career in creative writing and/ or journalism. For the Original Writing coursework you will have the choice of the kind of writing you would like to work on and students in the past have produced poetry, short stories, sports journalism, and travel writing.
Topics may include:
- Child language development
- Language and gender
- Writing like a journalist
- Unseen text analysis
- Global English.
Assessment Methods
Two exam papers worth 40% each. All questions on paper one include unseen language data to analyse and evaluate. Paper two tests essay writing skills, alongside analysing and producing journalistic writing about language debates.
A Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) is worth 20% and involves a folder of two equally weighted pieces: original writing in a genre of your choice, and a language investigation into a linguistic topic of your choice.
The variety of assessment styles used in the exam include data analysis, discursive essays, and writing opinion articles. You will also produce a folder of coursework worth 20% of your final mark containing original writing and research-based investigative writing. This wide range allows you to develop a wide range of skills valued by universities and employers. These include critical reading, data analysis, evaluation, the ability to develop and sustain arguments and a number of different writing skills.
Progression Options
The English Language A Level prepares you for applying to a wide range of Arts and Humanities degrees at University. It is particularly suited if you are interested in applying to study Linguistics, Creative Writing and/or Journalism.
Students who really enjoy studying English Language can also go on to study Linguistics at University.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply directly on any of the UCS College Group websites, whether you wish to study at Bridgwater College, Cannington College, Strode College, or Taunton College. Simply use our “Find a Course” feature and follow the on-screen instructions – be sure to have your important information to hand.
We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.
The Student Experience Team can mentor and signpost students who are struggling with a range of issues that are negatively impacting their day-to-day life. The Student Experience Team works closely with the Safeguarding & Lifestyle Teams to promote proactive wellbeing enrichment sessions. The team can refer on to counselling when appropriate.
We provide top-quality workshops and teaching areas across our Colleges for subjects such as art, design and media, hair and beauty, catering, automotive engineering and construction. You can review our campus facilities by navigating to the “College Life” section of our websites.
For us, the success of our students always comes first. By investing in our built environment, we are investing in your future.
All of our students will have a personal tutor to support them with their academic progress and personal development. The tutorial programme consists of 1:1 support, group tutorials and guest speakers, plus targeted online resources which complement the UCS College Group Advantage scheme.
The Safeguarding Team can offer advice and guidance on anything that may be affecting your young person and their studies – no problem is too big or too small!
Please email our Safeguarding team at staysafe@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk. If you query is urgent, please come to the College Reception and ask to speak to a Safeguarding Officer.
If you cannot find an answer to your question in this FAQ section, you can ask us a question by visiting our Contact Us page.
