English Language A Level 3
Oakwood Park Grammar School
Oakwood Park, MAIDSTONE, ME16 8AH
Available start dates
Available start dates
Application Instructions
For students applying from other schools please see the information below.
For existing students at OPGS - you will be applying internally and will receive separate instructions
Applications Open - 11th December 2025
Applications Close - 30th January 2026
Entry Requirements:-
Students achieving a minimum of at least six GCSEs (9 – 5) of which at least four are at a grade 6 (or equivalent).
In addition, students must meet subject entry requirements, which in most cases require a minimum of Grade 6 in the subject to be studied, or related subjects. Some subjects will require a grade 7 or higher. Please see school website (https://www.opgs.org) for entry requirements needed for individual A level subjects.
Students must also achieve a minimum of a grade 5 in English Language and Mathematics.
Typically, we would expect students following essay-based subjects to gain at least a grade 6 in English Language and students following scientific courses to gain at least a grade 7 in Mathematics.
The school shall determine which grades at 6 are required when A level subjects requested have not been taken at GCSE Level.
Priority will be given to existing pupils transferring from Year 11 who meet the entrance criteria
How to Apply
Students should select three or four A level subjects and include a 4th/5th as a reserve subjects. Please list your subjects in priority order and indicate which is your reserve choice.
Subject Choice
In choosing your subjects for A level you need to find out about the syllabus, examination requirements, coursework and the approach to study. Choose subjects that interest you and think carefully about the range and combination of subjects you would like to study. You may also wish to consider requirements for Higher Education or career paths.
Students should also note that the school cannot guarantee courses will run if there are not enough applicants. It is also possible that, in some subjects, numbers will have to be limited.
Course Summary
A Level English Language is a Linear course
Skills developed by course encourage you to deepen your interest and enjoyment in the use of English as you:
- develop and apply your understanding of the concepts and methods appropriate for the analysis and study of language
- undertake independent investigative work related to language in use
- engage creatively and independently with a varied programme for the study of English from the past to the present day
- develop your skills as producers and interpreters of language
Course Details
Paper 1: Language, the Individual and Society
What's assessed
• Textual variations and representations
• Children's language development (0-11 years)
Assessed
• written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes
• 100 marks
• 40% of A-level
Section A - Textual Variations and Representations
Two texts (one contemporary and one older text) linked by topic or theme.
• A question requiring analysis of one text
• A question requiring analysis of a second text
• A question requiring comparison of the two texts
Section B - Children's Language Development
A discursive essay on children’s language development, with a choice of two questions where the data provided will focus on spoken, written or multimodal language (30 marks) Methods of language analysis are integrated into the activities
Paper 2: Language Diversity and Change
What's assessed
• Language diversity and change
• Language discourses
• Writing skills
• Methods of language analysis are integrated into the activities
Assessed
• written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes
• 100 marks
• 40% of A-level
Section A - Diversity and Change
One question from a choice of two:
Either: an evaluative essay on language diversity
Or: an evaluative essay on language change
Section B - Language Discourses
Two texts about a topic linked to the study of diversity and change.
• A question requiring analysis of how the texts use language to present ideas, attitudes and opinions
• A directed writing task linked to the same topic and the ideas in the texts
Non-exam assessment: Language in Action
What's assessed
• Language Investigation
• Original Writing
• Methods of language analysis are integrated into the activities
Assessed
• Word count: 3,500
• 100 marks
• 20% of A-level
• Assessed by teachers
• Moderated by AQA
Tasks
• a language investigation (2,000 words excluding data)
• a piece of original writing and commentary (1,500 words total)
Enrichment Opportunities
1. Creative writing workshop
2. Emagazine Language Conference
3. British Library exhibition workshops
4. Sounds Familiar and Exploring texts workshops at British Library
How will it be delivered and assessed?
Students are assessed in school using exam questions, knowledge and understanding tests language levels, group research and presentation activities as well as regular homework tasks.
Students sit 3 exams at the end of Year 13 and submit one component of coursework.
Entry requirements
Six 9-5 GCSE grades with at least four at grade 6
A minimum of a grade 5 in Mathematics
Grade 6 in GCSE English Language
Typically, we would expect students following essay-based subjects to gain at least a grade 6 in English Language and students following scientific courses to gain at least a grade 7 in Mathematics.
Your next steps...
You could take this course with other advanced level courses or equivalent to prepare for higher education in English Language or more general higher education courses. With further training, you could go into a job related to English Language such as a Teacher, Journalist, or Editor. The course will also help you develop the skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers across lots of industries are looking.
Additional information
For more courses like this, check our courses page.