A Level English Language is an exciting and analytical course that explores how language works in the real world. You will study English both as a means of communication and as a subject in its own right, examining how language shapes identity, relationships, society and culture.
This is a two-year A Level course, normally studied alongside two other A Levels or equivalent qualifications. The course develops your ability to analyse language closely, explore different theories and ideas, and produce thoughtful, well-structured written responses. You will also complete an independent investigation and a creative writing task as part of the non-exam assessment.
The course is made up of three components:
· Paper 1: Language, the Individual and Society
· Paper 2: Language Diversity and Change
· Non-exam assessment: Language in Action
In Paper 1, you will study:
· textual variations and representations
· children’s language development (0–11 years)
· methods of language analysis integrated throughout the paper
In Paper 2, you will study:
· language diversity and change
· language discourses
· writing skills
· methods of language analysis integrated throughout the paper
As part of Language in Action, you will complete:
· a language investigation (2,000 words, excluding data)
· a piece of original writing and a commentary (750 words each)
Throughout the course, you will learn through discussion, close textual analysis, directed reading, essay writing, independent research and creative tasks. You will explore how context influences language use and how different texts present ideas, attitudes and representations.