AS/A2 English Language

AS/A2 English Language
AS/A2 This course will interest you if you have a genuine interest in linguistics, as you will study the grammar, vocabulary and history of the English language. It is quite a technical course, quite different from English at GCSE. You will work in pairs and in small groups as well as take part in whole class activities including large group discussions.

In addition to classwork, you will carry out reading, writing and research tasks. Learning methods include writing activities, collecting written and spoken data, creating displays, individual and group research, and extra-curricular activities.

AS Course Content
The AS course comprises two modules:

• Introduction to the language of texts
  You will study the ways in which language functions in written, spoken and multimodal texts and you will learn about words, sentences, meanings, the structure of texts and the sounds of language.
  You will be expected to analyse and discuss a range of texts (perhaps linked by genre or theme), and also focus on how writers have used language to convey bias, prejudice, attitudes and points of view.
  Assessment: 2½ hour written examination (60%)
  
• Original writing and exploring spoken language
  This provides opportunities for original writing, and for exploring spoken language. You will produce two pieces: the first piece will be a piece of original fiction writing (e.g. short story, novel extract, play script or monologue) accompanied by a commentary; the second will be the transcription and analysis of spoken language in media texts of your own choice.
  Assessment: Coursework. Total folder length of 3000 words. (40%)

A2 Course Content
The A2 course comprises a further two modules:

• Language investigation and writing for specific purposes
  This will include a language investigation or research project into a suggested topic (e.g. children's early writing). You will collect your own data and background material, and explore your topic through the analysis of your collected material. You will also write a non-fiction piece (e.g. travel, reportage, sports writing, reviews, biography), and an accompanying commentary.
  Assessment: coursework. Total folder length of 3000 words. (40%)
  
• Analysing and evaluating language mode and contexts
  You will analyse and compare examples of spoken language; and also explore aspects of change in written language over time, looking at literary or non-literary texts from different historical periods.
  Assessment: 2½ hour written examination (60%)

Is English Language for you?
You will enjoy and benefit from English Language if you:

• are interested in the way that people use different forms of English, spoken, written and computer mediated, for communication;
• would like to analyse in more detail how language is used in different contexts;
• have a general interest in language;
• are keen to carry out independent investigative research as well as attempting original writing in contrasting styles and genres.

English Language and your future
The study of English Language at this level can lead to a range of further studies and careers, such as journalism, publishing, media, linguistics, other languages and teaching. If you want to study English at degree level, we recommend you study A level English Literature unless you specifically want to study Linguistics/English Language at university.

Visits & Visitors
We may organise trips and workshops to explore aspects of language in society, and particularly spoken and written language in the media.