English Language

English Language AS and A2
INTRODUCTION
This is an academic subject which explores language through the medium of English. Analytical methods are employed to understand the many varieties of spoken and written English and what they tell us about ourselves, our relationship to others and society at large. This is a skill-based course.

COURSE AIMS
To introduce you to concepts and frameworks for the study of language and their use in investigating your own and other spoken and written English To develop your skills in speaking and writing for different purposes and audiences, and in responding to what you hear and read To widen your experience of language and to refine your analytical response to it

AS CONTENT
Unit 1 Seeing Through Language (60% of the total AS mark) Linguistic frameworks (i.e. the basic tool-kit for describing language) Analysis of Language Task Essay on childrens language development
Unit 2Representation and Language (40% of the total AS mark) A language investigation looking at how texts produce/ contribute to/ challenge representation of people, groups, events and issues. A language production task involving writing a genre-based text to produce/ challenge a particular representation of a social group, individual, event or institution

AS ASSESSMENT
Unit 1 exam 2 hours in May
Unit 2 coursework If you continue into the second year of the course you will carry forward your AS mark. This makes up 50% of the total A level

A2 CONTENT
Unit 3 Language Explorations (30% of total A level marks) Language variation and change a data-based essay Language discourses an analysis task You will look at how and why language changes and varies, analysing both spoken and written language.
Unit 4 Language Investigations and Interventions (20% of total A level mark) You will need to carry out an original piece of language research, using a methodology to collect original data. You will analyse your findings, illuminating your investigation by reading secondary sources. The focus will be on spoken language.

A2 ASSESSMENT
Unit 3 exam 2 hours 30 minutes in June
Unit 4 - coursework

HOW WILL I STUDY?
You will be involved in a variety of learning and teaching styles. You will be given short homework assignments. The course requires good note-taking and detailed analysis skills. The core textbooks will be loaned to you through the college learning resource centre. Topic sheets and other resources will be given out in lessons but it is also expected that you will collect your own practical examples of language for use in group discussion. You will learn and be tested in your ability to apply correctly a very large grammatical and stylistic vocabulary.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
As part of an advanced level programme, a minimum of 4 G.C.S.E.s at grade C or above (or the equivalent). Grade B or above in English is essential, a grade A or A is desirable.

LENGTH OF COURSE
AS level is one year, followed by a second year for those progressing to A2 level. You cannot begin the A2 course until you have satisfactorily completed the AS modules and units.

WHERE NEXT?
Advanced level study of the English language provides a great deal of fun and interest in its own right. However, you may wish to take your study further and apply for a degree in linguistics. Students aiming to read English literature, journalism or media studies at university will find a qualification in English language useful. This course will prepare you for any field of employment or degree course where skill in spoken and written communication is prized.