English Language
Exam Board & Specification: AQA A-Level English Language (7702)
Subject Lead:
Sixth Form Team
What will students study at Key Stage 5?
Year 12: Students analyse language frameworks (lexis, grammar, discourse), child language development and language diversity/attitudes, building data commentaries and short investigations.
Year 13: They complete original writing and an independent investigation with commentary, and prepare for synthesis questions on language change and contemporary usage.
What do assessments test?
- AO1: Knowledge of language frameworks and terminology
- AO2: Analyse meanings in context; link to language theories
- AO3: Evaluation of language issues/attitudes; methods
- AO4: Comparison across texts
- AO5: Original writing for audience/purpose
- AO6: Technical accuracy in writing
What are the expectations of my child in this subject?
Attend all lessons, meet deadlines, keep high‑quality notes, and use independent study effectively (at least the Sixth Form expectation per subject). Build habits of spaced retrieval, interleaved practice and regular past‑paper work.
What should my child do if they feel they are struggling in this subject?
Speak to the subject teacher promptly, identify precise topic/skill gaps, attend clinics/interventions, and use targeted resources (examiner reports, model answers, required practical write‑ups or assignment checklists).
How can I best support my child in this subject?
Have short, frequent check‑ins on progress; help plan assessment timelines; encourage retrieval practice and timed responses; and ensure use of department‑recommended texts, platforms and mark schemes.