ITS Tutorial School has offered top A-level English language support since 2005. We are the only tutorial school in Hong Kong also licensed to run the A-level exams by Pearson. You can take both International A-levels and some GCE subjects as well. Thousands of students have taken private tuition with our English Language tutors to date. You can either:
Choose another A-level subject:
accounting biology business chemistry chinese economics english language english literature geography history mathematics physics psychology spanish
IAL English Language is a linguistics-based course. It helps students to decode how language works, with a focus on language being used in different contexts, within different varieties of English and presenting speakers and writers in specific ways. There will also be an opportunity to develop an understanding of different genres and of some of the main ways language today is changing and developing.
This is a modular based A-level consisting of four units with each unit usually available in January and June each year. There is also pre-release material for Unit 4 to help the student prepare for the focus of the research topic they will tackle in Unit4 (which is also an exam).
Students will learn a wide range of specific technical vocabulary in order to be able to talk about language in a meaningful way.
This subject is particularly useful for students interested in studying communication based subjects in the future, including subjects such as advertising, where language is used to create and connote specific ideas.
As this is quite different to the type of English most students have experience with at lower levels, it is most appropriate for students who are hoping to develop a deep understanding of the English Language on a theoretical level.
One of the most desirable skills employers look for is good communication skills. The ability to explain, write or present ideas clearly and concisely.
That means English Language is a qualification valued in any job that involves communication, writing and/or literary knowledge, such as marketing, journalism, law or business. However, your English skills are valued in scientific, engineering, technological and mathematical careers too. This is because writing proposals, academic papers, articles and communicating with others is vital in these fields to promote the work undertaken and gain funding for projects.
The skills gained through the study of English Language can therefore be applied in most job sectors.
Job options you could explore with your qualification could be:
Jobs directly related to your qualification:
Jobs where your qualification would be useful:
There are no prerequisites, but an I/ GCSE qualification in English Literature would be helpful
For more information on specific university requirements related to A-levels, please see our A-levels FAQ page.
For more information on applying to UK universities, see our UCAS page.
If you are an international student taking A-levels the basic offer is made for 3 A-level subjects. It is very important when choosing these subjects that you understand what options you will have for university when the time comes. ITS has a long-established, highly experienced counselling team who can help you make these decisions and plan your academic course. But to start with, try out this excellent tool from the Russel Group which helps you experiment with your subject choices. Then come and see us.
You can find the Edexcel course specification here.
The course consists of 4 Units – 2 IAS and 2 IA2 Units. Students must take all 4 units to obtain the International Advanced Level History qualification. The percentage of total IAL marks for each Unit is in brackets followed by the length of each examination.
IAS Unit 1: Language: Context and identity (50%of IAS &25% of IAL – 1.45 hours)
Content overview
Students will study:
IAS Unit 2: Language in Transition (50%of IAS &25% of IAL – 1.45 hours)
Content overview
Students will study:
IA2 Unit 3: Crafting Language (writing) (25% of IAL – 2 hours)
Content overview
Students will:
IAL Unit 4: Investigating Language(25% of IAL – 2 hours)
Content overview
Students will select one research focus from four topic areas:
Assessment
Available in January and June
Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.
For students aged 12-18 dreaming of their future careers, we’d like to highlight a unique opportunity — The Oxford Royale Summer Programmes 2026. Hosted in collaboration with ITS, this is your chance to discover what it’s like to spend your summer living the life of an Oxford or Cambridge undergraduate. Join the webinar to learn more about the programme.
召集未來醫生與工程師——這個機會屬於你。今夏到牛津或劍橋學習生活！為12至18歲、懷抱職涯夢想的學生而設。立即預約參加網上研討會，了解Oxford Royale 2026暑期課程。
