English Language

• This course gives you the chance to explore how language is used in a wide range of contexts, from everyday conversations to creative writing and media texts. You'll study both fiction and non-fiction, looking at how meaning is shaped by word choices, structure and grammar. You'll also examine how factors like gender, age and occupation influence the way we use language.

  Topics include:

• Non-fiction analysis and writing (e.g. travel, reviews, advice writing)
• Fiction analysis and writing (e.g. dystopian, gothic, crime)
• Conversation analysis
• Language and social groups: occupation, age, ethnicity and more
• Standard and non-standard English
• Child language development
• Language change, including the history of English and 21st-century developments
• Gender and language use

You’ll also have the opportunity to specialise by choosing a specific text type to produce, based on non-fiction analysis, fiction analysis, or creative writing.

The A-Level English Language course helps you build valuable academic, analytical and written communication skills. Such skills are useful in a wide range of careers and university courses. Many students progress into fields where strong language and communication abilities are essential.

Possible progression routes include:

• Journalism
• Speech Therapy
• Publishing
• Teaching
• Marketing
• Human Resources
• Advertising

The A-Level English Language programme offers flexibility and is a strong choice if you’re considering any career where clear, thoughtful communication plays a key role.

To study A-Level English Language, you’ll need:

• At least five GCSEs at grade 5 or above

• A minimum of grade 5 in English Language

If you’re not quite on track to meet these requirements, there may still be an opportunity to study A-Levels as part of a Mixed Programme, combining them with a BTEC qualification at Newman. Speak to the admissions team to explore your options.

A-Level English Language is assessed by AQA. Your final grade will be based on two exam papers taken at the end of Year 13, along with a coursework folder.

Throughout the course, you’ll be assessed regularly through homework, in-class activities and College Assessment Points (CAPs) each term to track your progress.

In Year 12, you will:

• Prepare for the Component 1 examination
• Study A Streetcar Named Desire
• Explore the Edexcel Anthology
• Begin your creative writing coursework

In Year 13, you will:

• Complete your creative writing coursework
• Study Wuthering Heights and The Bloody Chamber
• Analyse a range of unseen texts to prepare for Component 2

This structured style gives you time to develop your analytical and writing skills across both years, with regular feedback to support your progress.