Course Content
Component 1: Language Concepts and Issues
Section A: Analysis of Spoken Language
One question requiring analysis of at least two transcriptions
Section B: Language Issues
One question from a choice of three based on the study of four topic areas.
Component 2: Language Change Over Time
Section A: Language Change Over Time
One multipart question and one essay question analysing language change over time
Section B: English in the Twenty-First Century
One question based on the ways language is used in the twenty-first century.
Component 3: Creative and Critical Use of Language
One question, from a choice of two, requiring two original writing responses and one commentary.
Component 4: Language and Identity
2500-3500 word language investigation based on the study and research of a topic related to language and identity Learners are required to choose a topic from the following list:
- Language and self-representation
- Language and gender
- Language and culture
- Language diversity
| Component | Assessment | Duration | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1: Language Concepts and Issues | Written exam | 2h | 30% |
| 2: Language Change Over Time | Written exam | 2h 15m | 30% |
| 3: Creative and Critical Use of Language | Written exam | 1h 45m | 20% |
| 4: Language and Identity | Non-exam assessment | N/A | 20% |
Year 12
Half Term 1 (Sept-Nov)
Half Term 2 (Nov – Dec)
Half Term 3 (Jan – Feb)
Half Term 4 (Feb – March)
Half Term 5 (April – May)
Half Term 6 (May – July)
Half Term 1 (Sept-Nov)
Focus and Topic
- Introduction to language analysis and bridging from GCSE to A Level. Understanding how meaning is created across different texts.
Core Knowledge
- Understanding and applying the Seven Language Levels: Lexis, Semantics, Grammar/Syntax, Phonology, Pragmatics, Graphology, Discourse (AO1)
- Exploring how meaning is shaped by social and cultural contexts (AO3)
- Introducing key linguistic theories and the importance of text–context–meaning relationships (AO2)
- Developing fluency in formal written expression and academic register (AO5)
Core Skills
- Apply methods of language analysis
- Build confidence with comparative analytical writing
- Organise and evaluate linguistic data
- Begin portfolio of real-world texts (e.g. ads, slogans, propaganda)
Assessment
- Comparative essay on contrasting real-world texts (e.g. “Megane” vs “Freeview+”) Weekly terminology quizzes.
Half Term 2 (Nov – Dec)
Focus and Topic
- Spoken language and power dynamics in discourse.
Core Knowledge
- Spoken language features and transcription conventions (AO1)
- Politeness theory, Accommodation theory, instrumental/influential power (AO2)
- Evaluating context and its shaping of spoken texts (AO3)
- Making links across texts using conceptual threads (AO4)
- Manipulating genre and purpose in creative responses (AO5)
Core Skills
- Comparing spoken transcripts and multimodal texts
- Writing essays using linguistic theory
- Stylistic imitation and genre-based creative writing
- Expanding the data portfolio with spoken sources
Assessment
- Section A: Spoken Language Essay
- Section B: Language & Power Essay Regular low-stakes vocabulary tests
Half Term 3 (Jan – Feb)
Focus and Topic
- Accent, dialect, and the social variation of English.
Core Knowledge
- Prescriptivist vs. descriptivist perspectives (AO2)
- Terminology and identification of non/standard English (AO1)
- Regional variation, identity and sociolect (AO3)
- Critical comparisons between diverse examples of language use (AO4)
- Use of creative control in reflecting linguistic identity (AO5)
Core Skills
- Transcribing and analysing dialectal variation
- Writing extended comparative responses
- Compiling case studies and linguistic data sets
- Applying critical language debates in context
Assessment
- Component 1: Varieties of English Essay
- Component 2: Language in the 21st Century Essay
Half Term 4 (Feb – March)
Focus and Topic
- Evolution of English and child language development theories.
Core Knowledge
- Key theories of Language Acquisition (Skinner, Piaget, Bruner, etc.) (AO2)
- Accurate use of child language and developmental terminology (AO1)
- Interpretation of real examples and contextualised learning evidence (AO3)
- Making thematic and conceptual connections between studies (AO4)
- Understanding creative use of language in children’s speech and writing (AO5)
Core Skills
- Interpreting transcripts and identifying acquisition stages
- Evaluating theory through case studies
- Synthesising evidence into coherent arguments
- Developing written commentary and comparison
Assessment
- Component 1: Essay on Language Change
- Component 2: Essay on Language Acquisition
Half Term 5 (April – May)
Focus and Topic
- Consolidation of learning and independent preparation for assessments.
Core Knowledge
- Reviewing and refining analytical terminology (AO1)
- Reapplying key language concepts and theory (AO2)
- Evaluating audience and purpose in diverse sources (AO3)
- Structuring arguments and comparisons across texts (AO4)
- Expressing original insights with precision and voice (AO5)
Core Skills
- Using examiner feedback and mark schemes effectively
- Developing self-directed revision strategies
- Beginning independent research and investigation planning
Assessment
- Mock Examinations: Whole-paper essays Investigation proposal tasks
Half Term 6 (May – July)
Focus and Topic
- Final term consolidation and transition into Year 13
Core Knowledge
- Synthesis of linguistic knowledge across all areas (AO2)
- Detailed understanding of language variation and social context (AO3)
- Secure use of terminology and comparison frameworks (AO1, AO4)
- Precision, purpose, and sophistication in written communication (AO5)
Core Skills
- Finalisation of data portfolio
- Independent writing and oral articulation
- Readiness for NEA exploration and Year 13 topics
Assessment
- Full mock examination
- Final end-of-year responses and presentations
Year 13
Half Term 1 (Sept-Nov)
Half Term 2 (Nov – Dec)
Half Term 3 (Jan – Feb)
Half Term 4 (Feb – March)
Half Term 5 (April – May)
Half Term 6 (May – July)
Half Term 1 (Sept-Nov)
Focus and Topic
- Component 4: Identity Investigation — development and completion of non-examined investigation.
- Component 3: Creative Writing Portfolio — two writing tasks and one analytical commentary.
Core Knowledge
- AO1: Language analysis and terminology.
- AO2: Concepts and issues around language use.
- AO3: Contextual analysis.
- AO4: Textual connections.
- AO5: Expertise and creativity in communication.
- Examiner reports, past papers, mark schemes. Student-generated portfolio of data, transcripts, and critical theory (collated from Year 12). Understanding of genre, audience, form, and purpose
Core Skills
- Designing, conducting and refining an independent investigation.
- Justifying methodological choices.
- Developing original pieces for distinct audiences and purposes.
- Composing analytical commentaries on creative work
Assessment
- NEA: Independent investigation with assessed commentary and analysis.
- Portfolio: Original writing pieces plus commentary
Half Term 2 (Nov – Dec)
Focus and Topic
- Component 4: Identity Investigation — development and completion of non-examined investigation.
- Component 3: Creative Writing Portfolio — two writing tasks and one analytical commentary.
Core Knowledge
- AO1: Language analysis and terminology.
- AO2: Concepts and issues around language use.
- AO3: Contextual analysis.
- AO4: Textual connections.
- AO5: Expertise and creativity in communication.
- Examiner reports, past papers, mark schemes. Student-generated portfolio of data, transcripts, and critical theory (collated from Year 12). Understanding of genre, audience, form, and purpose
Core Skills
- Designing, conducting and refining an independent investigation.
- Justifying methodological choices.
- Developing original pieces for distinct audiences and purposes.
- Composing analytical commentaries on creative work
Assessment
- NEA: Independent investigation with assessed commentary and analysis.
- Portfolio: Original writing pieces plus commentary
Half Term 3 (Jan – Feb)
Focus and Topic
- Component 1: Revision and Consolidation
Core Knowledge
- AO1–AO5 across all sections of Component 1.
- Theoretical and linguistic concepts from across the course.
- Structural and stylistic exam response conventions
Core Skills
- Planning, structuring, and refining exam-style responses.
- Applying high-level linguistic analysis to unseen texts.
- Reflective exam technique development
Assessment
- In-class assessment: practice exam questions (Component 1 focus)
Half Term 4 (Feb – March)
Focus and Topic
- Component 2: Revision and Consolidation with continued creative/critical writing integration
Core Knowledge
- AO1–AO5 across all sections of Component 2.
- Language diversity and change.
- Discourse, context, and representation theories
Core Skills
- Analysing contemporary language issues.
- Comparing texts across contexts.
- Synthesising prior knowledge in extended responses
Assessment
- In-class assessment: practice exam questions (Component 2 focus
Half Term 5 (April – May)
Focus and Topic
- Final Exam Preparation — comprehensive revision of all components
Core Knowledge
- Holistic understanding of AO1–AO5 across all components.
- Exam strategy, time management, and evaluation frameworks
Core Skills
- Independent synthesis of content and skills.
- Constructing full exam responses under timed conditions.
- Personalised revision through feedback and self-assessment
Assessment
- Full mock exam tasks using all assessment objectives
Half Term 6 (May – July)
Focus and Topic
- EXAMS
Core Knowledge
- EXAMS
Core Skills
- EXAMS
Assessment
- EXAMS
Key Info
- Start Date: September 2026
- Awarding Body: EDUQAS
- Study Mode: Full Time
- Course Length: 2 Years
Entry Requirements
TBC
Complementary Subjects
The course content also complements studies in English Literature, Media, Sociology, Psychology, History, Geography, Music and Drama. Having said this, experience has taught us that English complements every subject area!
Career Opportunities
There are a plethora of career opportunities available to students of English Language. Studying for our qualification demonstrates that you have a diverse, bespoke skillset: future employers will recognise you are creative, academic, focussed, analytical, an excellent communicator, perceptive, enthusiastic, committed and capable.
Many of our students at AG6 go on to study English at university; English Language is held in high regard and is valued by Higher Education establishments. It also provides an excellent foundation for students to pursue careers in Writing, Law, Journalism, Copywriting, Proofreading, Public Relations and Teaching.