A LEVEL
English Language
The study of how we communicate, persuade, and connect.Â
It’s the key to understanding people and the power of expression. At St Paul’s, you’ll explore how English language shapes identity, society, and thought itself.
You’ll analyse language in real contexts, debate meaning, and develop the clarity and confidence that will serve you in university, your career, and every conversation beyond.
You arrive as you are, and you’re celebrated for it. You leave ready to take on the world.
— Sixth Form student
Why Choose English Language at St Paul’s?
Our English department combines expert teaching with a welcoming, creative environment where every student’s voice is valued.
Smaller class sizes mean more focused discussion, individual feedback, and space to develop your own ideas.
Passionate teachers bring language to life, sparking curiosity about how words shape thought and connection.
A supportive community that celebrates individuality and ensures every student feels heard and inspired.
A subject that builds transferable skills in analysis, communication, and creativity: vital for future study and employment.
A place where you can express yourself, think critically, and grow in confidence as both a reader and a writer.
Where English Language Can Take You
Our English students go on to study journalism, media, linguistics, law, and communications at leading universities. They pursue careers and apprenticeships where strong communication and analytical thinking set them apart.
I thought about leaving, but I realised no one else would care about me the way St Paul’s does. Here, I’m not starting over, I’m moving forward.
— Student Name
What You’ll Study
You’ll explore how language shapes our world and how it’s used to inform, persuade, entertain and connect. English Language develops your ability to analyse spoken and written texts, investigate how language works in different contexts, and craft your own original writing with purpose and precision.
In English Language, you will study:
Language Analysis:Â exploring how writers and speakers use vocabulary, grammar and structure to create meaning.
Language Diversity and Change:Â examining how language varies across time, region, gender and social groups.
Original Writing:Â developing your own voice through creative and non-fiction writing tasks.
Language Investigation:Â conducting independent research into real-world language use.
Full details of the course can be found in the exam board’s official AQA specification.
Along the way you’ll refine your communication, critical thinking and analytical skills. These attributes are highly valued by universities and employers alike.
You arrive as you are, and you’re celebrated for it. You leave ready to take on the world.
— Sixth Form student
.......
English Language Exam Results
...
PASS RATE
...
achieved
A* to C
...
achieved
A* to B
...
achieved
A* to A
Entry Requirements
In addition to our standard entry requirements, a number of our courses have specific entry requirements to ensure you are ready to thrive in the subject. For English Language, you’ll need:
- Grade 6+ in English Language or Literature
These requirements are in place to help set you up for success and make sure you have the right foundation to enjoy the challenge of Sixth Form study.
I thought about leaving, but I realised no one else would care about me the way St Paul’s does. Here, I’m not starting over, I’m moving forward.
— Student Name
Hear From Our Students
We have interesting lessons, fuelled by the enthusiastic teachers, lots of laughs which makes lessons memorable and teachers want to help.
I really enjoy studying English Language, developing my understanding of how language can be used to express meaning and convey different messages. I have learnt transferable skills that can be used in future careers and in everyday life.
I have really enjoyed studying English Language, as we look at how language relevant to our generation and society as a whole. The staff are so helpful and will support you throughout your learning.
Mrs K Barlow
ENGLISH LANGUAGE CO-ORDINATOR
Thank you for your interest in studying English Language at St Paul’s. We have a fantastic team of passionate English specialists ready to support and inspire you throughout your journey.
If you have any questions about the course, or where English Language can take you beyond college, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I would be delighted to hear from you.
Send me a message
We’d love to hear from you, whether you want to talk about subject choices, entry requirements, or your future career ideas.
English LanguageCourse Content
See the course content of A Level English Language and how this course is assessed and the topics you will learn and discover.
| PAPER 1Language, the Individual and Society | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
WEIGHT |
40% (100 marks) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
LENGTH |
2 Hours 30 minutes |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
You will study:
- Language levels (e.g. lexis, semantics, grammar, pragmatics and graphology)
- Developing textual analysis skills
- Meaning and representation
- Child Language Development
| PAPER 2Language diversity and change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
WEIGHT |
40% (100 Marks) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
LENGTH |
2 Hours 30 minutes |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
You will study:
- Sociolinguistics, including how social groups, regional variation and gender affect language
- World Englishes
- Language Change (Old English through to present day)
| NEALanguage in action | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
WEIGHT |
20% (100 Marks)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
FORMAT |
NEA |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
- Original Writing (10%) Time to get creative! This is your opportunity to write a piece inspired by an existing text, with a supporting commentary. Story? Editorial? Blog? Fairy tale? The possibilities are endless!
- Language Investigation (10%) The Language Investigation is your opportunity to conduct your own study of language use. Delve deeper into an aspect of the course you enjoy the most!
Are you ready to explore how language shapes our world, develop your voice as a communicator, and discover the power of words in every form?
Start your English Language journey at St Paul’s.
Whatever course you choose, you’ll be joining a community where every student is known and loved. Our mission is not just to help you succeed academically, but to help you grow as a person, supported and celebrated every step of the way.