English Language - KS5

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Students at SJB study English because it defines our reality – from the way that we think, to the words that we speak, to the way that we write. Language enriches students’ minds with an understanding, respect and empathy for different voices from across time and cultures. By studying English, students will engage with the world outside of the classroom, become more confident in their self-expression, and develop an appreciation of language in all its forms.

Exam board: Pearson Edexcel

Qualification: English Language A Level 9ENO

English Language A Level Specification 

Curriculum Map for English

A Level English Language has become a popular and academically prestigious qualification, one that has grown significantly in recent years as an increasingly diverse range of students becomes fascinated by how we communicate and interact with others in different contexts. As a pathway to university study, English Language is ideal for most disciplines as it brings together elements of the social sciences, humanities and creative subjects while requiring forensic analytical study of texts, transcripts, and even multi-modal forms like messaging. Students are, equally, encouraged to explore their own writing by producing an original coursework folder across a range of styles and genres. Past budding journalists have found the material generated by the course forming the basis of their first published material!

 

Course content:

  • ‘The Basics’ - lexis, semantics, grammar, phonetics, phonology, pragmatics, discourse
  • Language and identity – how individuals use language to present themselves with regard to regional identity, age, gender, status and occupation.
  • Child Language Acquisition – how young children learn to speak, read and write.
  • Language Change – how the English language has developed from earliest Anglo-Saxon to the present day and everything in between.
  • Language Investigation of topics such as gender identity, global English, regional variation, power, journalism.
  • Analysing a huge variety of real-world texts (adverts, articles, text messages, tweets, websites, interviews, spoken transcripts…).

Stuyding English Language at A Level will give you a variety of skills which are desirable for both further study and work. Skills you will gain:  

  • Analytical Thinking – Students learn to deconstruct texts, exploring how language is used to influence, persuade, and convey meaning.

  • Critical Evaluation – They assess linguistic theories and arguments, developing the ability to critique sources and viewpoints.

  • Independent Research – Through language investigations, students design and carry out their own research projects.

  • Creative Writing – They experiment with style, tone, and audience, producing original writing across genres.

  • Data Interpretation – Students analyse linguistic data, including transcripts and corpora, using evidence to support conclusions.

  • Understanding of Diversity – They explore how language varies across regions, social groups, genders, and generations.

  • Communication Skills – Both written and spoken communication are refined, with emphasis on clarity, structure, and audience awareness.

  • Knowledge of Language Change – Students gain insight into how English has evolved and continues to adapt in response to social and technological shifts.

  • Argument Construction – They learn to build persuasive, well-supported arguments in essays and discussions.

  • Technical Terminology – Students become fluent in linguistic terminology, enhancing their ability to discuss language precisely.

A level English Language involves analysing ‘real-world’ texts, studying how children acquire language, understanding the history of English, engaging with theorists, undertaking independent research, and writing both analytical essays and original creative texts.

Entry Requirments:  

  • A minimum of a grade 6 in GCSE English Language is essential
Unit 1: Language Variation
Written examination, lasting 2 hours 15 minutes.

● Two sections: students answer the question in Section A and the question in Section B.

● Total of 60 marks available – 30 marks per section.

● Section A – Individual Variation: one question on two unseen 21st-century linked texts/data. Students produce an extended comparative response.

● Section B – Variation over Time: one question on two thematically linked unseen texts/data, from two different periods. Students produce an extended comparative response.
Unit 2: Child Language
Written examination, lasting 1 hour 15 minutes.

● Total of 45 marks available.

● One question based on a set of unseen data – either spoken or written. Students produce an extended response.
Unit 3: Investigating Language
Written examination, lasting 1 hour 45 minutes.

● Two sections: students answer one question from Section A and one question from Section B. 

● Total of 45 marks available: Section A question is 15 marks and Section B question is 30 marks.

● Section A – one question on unseen data. Students must answer the question on the subtopic they have researched.

● Section B – one evaluative question. Students must answer the question on the subtopic they have researched and must make connections with data from their investigation. Students produce an extended response.
Unit 4: Crafting Language
Students produce two coursework assignments:

● Assignment 1: two pieces of original writing from the same genre, differentiated by function and/or audience.

● Assignment 2: one commentary, reflecting on the two pieces of original writing produced and making connections with research undertaken.

● Advisory total word count is 2500–3000 words: Assignment 1 is 1500–2000 words and Assignment 2 is 1000 words.

● Total of 50 marks available: Assignment 1 is 30 marks and Assignment 2 is 20 marks.

 

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