A Level English Language in Bristol for 16 to 18 Year Olds – Patchway Community College

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
StartFlexible
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyAQA awarding body

A sixth-form course for 16 to 18 year olds. Aged 19 or over? Check which courses you can do free.

About this course

Free A Level English Language course in Bristol. Classes run at Patchway Community College. You'll need 4 to 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English, to enrol. This two-year, full-time daytime course is an introduction to linguistics. You'll study how English works across different contexts and forms, analysing language using concepts and methods drawn from linguistic study. It builds on GCSE English but takes a very different direction.

Who this course is for

Those students who are curious about the construction of the English language. With exciting text and data-based sources of language, the specification introduces the study of English in its various forms and contexts. Concepts and methods appropriate for the analysis of language underpin all elements of the course. This course allows students to build on the skills already gained at GCSE. However, it is nothing like your GCSE course. It is essentially an introduction to linguistics and is a fascinating insight into language and how it works within our society.The variety of assessment styles used, such as data analysis, discursive essays, directed writing, original writing and research-based investigative writing, allows students to develop a wide range of skills. These include critical reading, data analysis, evaluation, the ability to develop and sustain arguments, and a number of different writing skills which are invaluable for both further study and future employment.

Languages should be thought of as national treasures, and treated accordingly (Professor David Crystal- Language academic).

The field of linguistics includes both science and the humanities, and offers a breadth of coverage that, for many aspiring students of the subject, is the primary source of its appeal (Professor David Crystal- Language academic).

Entry requirements

4-5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above including English

What you will learn

  • You'll analyse how English is used across different social and cultural contexts.
  • You'll study the structures of language, including grammar, phonology, and discourse.
  • You'll examine how language changes over time and across different groups.
  • You'll apply linguistic methods to written and spoken texts.
  • You'll investigate how language shapes and reflects identity.
  • You'll produce your own original writing and commentary as part of the course.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based lessons at Patchway Community College. The AQA specification is assessed through written examinations and a non-exam assessment component. The non-exam assessment includes original writing and a language investigation. All assessment is in English.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Patchway Community College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Journalist: research, write, and edit for print or digital media
  • Content writer: produce copy for websites, brands, and publications
  • Copywriter: write persuasive text for marketing and advertising
  • Communications officer: manage messaging for organisations or public bodies
  • Editorial assistant: support editors at publishing houses or magazines
  • Teacher (with further training): English in schools or colleges
  • PR assistant: write press releases and manage media relations
  • UX writer: craft clear language for apps and digital products

What you could study next

A Level English Language is widely accepted for university entry. You could go on to a degree in English Language, Linguistics, Journalism, or Communications. If you want to teach, a degree followed by a PGCE in English is the route into secondary school teaching. Some learners combine this A Level with others to meet entry requirements for law, media, or social science degrees.