A Level English Language

This a full time study programme with the final examinations at the end of the two year course.

A mandatory requirement of the course is an independent investigation and a creative piece of work which accounts for 20% of the overall grade.

You will learn through a variety of teaching methods which will aim to meet the needs of each individual and accommodate different learning styles. Key aspects of the course include applying language ideas and concepts and consideration of context.

The components of the qualification are as follows:

Component 1

Paper 1: Language, the Individual and Society

What's assessed:

●  Textual variations and representations

●  Children's language development (0-11 years)

●  Methods of language analysis are integrated into the activities

●  Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes

Section A - Textual Variations and Representations

Two texts (one contemporary and one older text) linked by topic or theme.

●  A question requiring analysis of one text (25 marks)

●  A question requiring analysis of a second text (25 marks)

●  A question requiring comparison of the two texts (20 marks)

Section B - Children's Language Development

A discursive essay on children’s language development, with a choice of two questions where the data provided will focus on spoken, written or multimodal language (30 marks)

Component 2:

Paper 2: Language varieties

Section A - Diversity and Change

One question from a choice of two:

Either: an evaluative essay on language diversity (30 marks)

Or: an evaluative essay on language change (30 marks)

Section B - Language Discourses

Two texts about a topic linked to the study of diversity and change.

●  A question requiring analysis of how the texts use language to present ideas, attitudes and opinions

●  A directed writing task linked to the same topic and the ideas in the texts

Non-exam assessment (NEA): Language in Action

●  Language Investigation

●  Original Writing

●  Methods of language analysis are integrated into the activities

●  Word count: 3,500

●  100 marks

●  20% of A-level

Students produce:

●  a language investigation (2,000 words excluding data)

●  a piece of original writing and commentary (1,500 words total)
The course is examined upon completion of the course and encourages you to present informed, personal and creative responses to language texts by engaging creatively and critically with a wide range of texts and discourses. You will create texts and reflect critically on your own processes of production, while analysing the texts produced by others. You will explore the study of English Language both as a medium of communication and as a topic in its own right, with an emphasis on the ability to pursue lines of enquiry, debate different views, and work independently to research aspects of language in use.

There will also be scope for extra-curricular activities including English Language seminars, theatre visits, subject workshops and excursions.

An A level in English Language will enhance your understanding of other A level subjects such as History, Classical Civilisation, Law, Media, Film Studies and Sociology.
●  You will be assessed predominantly through written examinations and via a piece of independent coursework;

●  This includes the close analysis of extracts and wider discursive essays;

●  Informal assessment will take place via class discussions and individual student presentations;

●  Students will be assessed throughout the year and be provided with specific feedback in order to help them improve.
English Language is seen as traditional academic subject and, as such, offers a range of transferable skills which are highly prized by employers and universities alike.

Future study and career pathways include:

●  University study including Russell Group and Oxbridge Universities

●  Teaching (B.Ed.) and (PGCE)

●  Journalism

●  Creative Writing

●  Law

●  Broadcasting

●  Marketing

●  Branding

●  Copywriting

●  Various Graduate Trainee Programmes

●  Apprenticeships or higher apprenticeships

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