English Language A Level

This course encourages you to develop an interest in and enjoyment of the English language through analysing how spoken and written language are used, the way that language is learnt by children, and how it has evolved over time.

There is a specific focus on the influence of gender, power and technology on language and students will get the opportunity to produce their own creative pieces from a range of genres.

Is English Language for me?

You need to be able to research independently and have the enthusiasm and self-motivation to set your own areas of study. This course is one that both encourages and requires lively interaction and will change the way you look at how we communicate forever.

How will I learn?

You will analyse the use of spoken and written language through focus on specific areas such as grammar, lexis and dialect. You will study a variety of texts taken from everyday sources and you will be expected to evaluate and explore language use in regular classroom discussion as well as written tasks.

You will spend time analysing language in action in a wide range of situations such as interviews, debates, television programmes and advertising. You will also be expected to complete independent research and wider reading in preparation for the more autonomous aspects of the course.

You will be required to complete one coursework assignment and one examination for both the AS and A2 years. The coursework component at AS Level consists of two pieces of original writing and two commentaries on these pieces.

At A2 Level the coursework is comprised of an independent language investigation on an area of specific individual interest and a media text, which highlights the language ideas and issues surrounding your chosen topic.

The examinations will assess your ability to evaluate unseen texts at AS and will focus on your knowledge of language acquisition in children and the development of and changes in English over time.

GCSE Grade 5 in English Language.