A level English Language

English Language


Why should I study English Language?
English Language is a rewarding and challenging subject that is highly valued as a foundation subject by employers and higher education institutions alike. The work at AS Level is fundamentally dissimilar to GCSE English, being more concerned with the technicalities of the English language. The A2 course builds upon the theoretical concepts acquired at AS Level and introduces additional topics. The course is wide-ranging, involving a study of the nature and functions of the English language, together with practice in it various uses.

What will I study?
AS Units
Unit 1:
Introduction to the Language of Texts


Section A:
The Language of Texts


You will be asked to analyse the language of two or more linked texts, usually connected by genre or theme which may be written or spoken or multimodal texts. This represents 40% of the total AS Level marks.

Section B:
Language Focus


You will be required to focus on a specific aspect of a text on how the writers or speakers have used language to convey bias, prejudices etc. You will be required to analyse the linguistic features, and also to consider the effectiveness of the language used. This represents 20% of the total AS Level marks

Unit 2:
Original Writing and Exploring Spoken Language

You will be required to submit a folder of work which represents 40% of the total AS Level marks

Section A:
Original Writing


You will produce a single, continuous, extended piece of creative, original writing in a fictional, â€-literary' mode.


This represents 20% of the total AS Level marks

Section B:
Exploring Spoken Language In this section you will choose an area of spoken language from the media for analysis, such as:

• Interviews
• Chat shows

This represents 20% of the total AS Level marks

A2 Units
Unit 3:
Language Investigation and writing for Specific Purpose, 2 pieces of extended writing. This represents 40% of the total A Level marks.

Unit 4:
Analysing and Evaluating Language, Modes and Contexts, 2 compulsory questions. This represents 60% of the total A Level marks.

What skills do I need?

• A genuine interest in
  
  grammar
  
• Critical analysis skills
• Compositional and editorial essay writing skills
• An ability and willingness to carry out independent research
• An ability to grasp theoretical concepts and grammatical eloquence in written expression
• An ability to apply knowledge
• A lively interest in the workings of language and a love of writing

How will I be taught?
Most groups are taught by 2 teachers using a variety of methods. These include discussions, independent research, one-to-one consultation with the teacher, use of ILT and small group work.

How is the course assessed?
Units 2 & 3 are externally examined by a written 2½ hr exam. Units 1 & 4 are internally assessed coursework.

What will this course prepare me for?
Typically, these include teaching, the law, the civil service, the social services, journalism and the media. However, because of its status as a core National curriculum subject, English Language graduates are recruited into a very wide range of professions.

Private Study
As an approximate guideline AS subjects require 3-4 hrs of independent study each; A2 subjects 4-5 hrs each and GCSE subjects 2 hrs each.

What materials will I need to purchase?
The purchase of an English grammar book is a very good idea.