No doubt, you’re feeling a bit nervous as you get ready to start your A-level English Language course. After studying the subject at GCSE, you know it’ll be hard - in fact, Ofqual says that it’s one of the hardest subjects to gain a top GCSE grade in.
But phew, you did it. And now people keep saying A-levels are harder… That this A-level is harder and quite different to GCSE English Language.
So what is A-level English Language? How can it help your future? And, if you do choose the subject, what practical steps can you take to succeed?
Everyone who has studied GCSE English Language (which is anyone older than five) will be familiar with the formula: reading and writing.
However, English Language at A-level is like reading and writing on steroids. Firstly, it becomes more scientific. You’ll learn about linguists (people who study language), their attitudes and the studies they’ve carried out.
You’ll be asked to become a linguist yourself, carrying out studies too.
You’ll learn to study:
A-level English Language will teach you about individual varieties of English too. For example:
There is a creative writing element to A-level English Language as well. Most exam boards offer freedom in your writing choices. For example, the AQA board expects a coursework submission (an article, speech, story or poem) that mimics a published work of your choice.
If you want to work in education, the media, journalism or linguistics, A-level English Language will be a particularly great fit.
However, English Language is a well-respected subject that will get you far even if you have other plans post-A-level. Unless a university degree requires specific subjects (like some science, medical or maths courses) universities will likely see an A-level in English Language as an asset.
The subject will develop important life and career skills too:
All A-levels are difficult, and this one is no different. In fact, only 2.3% of students achieved an A* in 2024 and only 76.4% achieved a C or above.
There is much more content to learn than there was at GCSE, so if you’re choosing English Language A-level because you think natural skill will get you through, think again. You will need to revise theories, linguists, and studies as well as work on exam technique, analysis, and writing skills.
So, how can you make sure you’re successful?
Start this from day one. Make sure you have your class notes in order and that all your essays and personal study notes are filed correctly. This could be in an old-fashioned binder or on your computer. There is a lot of content to cover and these organisational skills will save you time when it comes to revision.
The two-year course will be much more enjoyable, and ultimately your grades will be better if you throw yourself into the subject. So, get curious about the English language in all its forms. Consider texts with your A-level English Language learning in mind. You can do this with novels, plays, poems, articles, and even your Snapchat messages. Language is everywhere!
The best way to ace the creative writing aspect of your A-level English Language is to practice, practice, practice.
Yes, in exams you won’t have the gift of time. However, the more you craft your writing at home at word, sentence or even whole text level, the better your skills will be when you’re under timed pressure. You’re less likely to make errors that could cost you grades.
Crafting your writing is about using the right word and the right sentence type at the right time.
As with all A-levels, your success relies on your ability to work outside of lessons as much as in them. So, complete extra essays and hand them in to your teacher or get a tutor to look at them. Read journals; read books about the English language; read articles about language change on the opinion pages of big newspapers. Read!
Overall, success in English Language is about taking your curiosity about the subject and running with it. If you can question language, unpick it, and play with it, then not only will you enjoy A-level English Language, but you will succeed too.
So, go on; have a play…
