A Level English Language

Applications Open: - 9th November 2026

Applications Close: - 31st March 2027

Entry Requirements: - Our Sixth Form entry requirements are five GCSEs at Grade 4 and above for the 'A' Level Pathway (in addition to some individual subject entry requirements) and 4 GCSEs at Grade 4 and above for the Vocational (V Level/BTEC) Pathway. The course information gives specific details of course content and entry requirements. Please also refer to the Sixth Form Prospectus for the specific entry requirements for the chosen subjects.

Students need to select the equivalent of 3 A Levels or more. (Triple BTEC counts as 3, Double BTEC counts as 2). Subjects are grouped into option blocks, please be aware that not all combinations are possible.

In addition to academic requirements stated above a place will be dependent on the receipt of a satisfactory school reference.

How to Apply: - Please apply via Kent Choices if you area a student from another school.

Please visit our website www.stanselmscanterbury.org.uk for more information.

The new English Language specification will enable students to build upon the skills they have developed at GCSE, by engaging creatively and critically with a wide range of texts and discourses associated with all aspects of the English Language, from gender, age, race and its historical roots to English as a world language. The course is studied over two years with a mix of examination and non examined units. Examinations are taken at the end of the two year course.

Paper 1: Language, The Individual and Society: (2.5 hours, 40%)

• Textual variations and representations (a comparison of two texts from two different eras)
• Child Language Development (one question from a choice of two: from written, spoken or multi-modal language)

Paper 2: Language, Diversity and Change: (2.5 hours, 40%)

A choice of two questions. Either:

• Language change - an evaluative essay exploring the reasons and consequences of language change over time.
• Language Diversity - an evaluative essay exploring a range of language topics such as gender, occupation, age, accent/dialect.

Paper 3: Language in Action (non-exam assessment, 20%)

• Language investigation on any language topic.
• Original writing and commentary on any genre of writing.

Journalism, law, media, research, social work, speech therapy, teaching (both primary and secondary). A variety of leadership roles where you have to be a good communicator.

An A Level in English Language is beneficial to many language based degree courses.