English Language
Oxford Spires Academy - Oxfordshire
01865428200
Glanville Road, Oxford, OX4 2AU
Course summary

A level English Language is not like GCSE. Although you still analyse non-literary texts (websites, leaflets, newspaper articles etc.), you learn to do this in a much more technical way – learning a lot about grammar. You also look at spoken texts – transcriptions of conversations – and how they work. As well as analysis of texts, you learn theory areas about language use, including: • Language and gender • Language and social class • Children’s language acquisition • Language change Finally, you learn to write in particular forms and for specific audiences, producing your own stories, articles and web-pages to appeal to different readers.

Entry requirements

You will need 5 GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including grade 5 in either English Language or English Literature.

How you'll be assessed

There are 2 exams, both 2.5 hours long, at the end of Year 13 – assessing your ability to analyse unseen text, and to write essays on theory. These are worth 80% of your A level. The remaining 20% is a coursework folder consisting of a language investigation and a piece of creative writing, with an accompanying commentary

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionSouth East
Local AuthorityOxfordshire
Ofsted RatingGood
Gender TypeCo-Educational
AddressGlanville Road, Oxford, OX4 2AU