English Language AS/A Level

Curriculum Area: English

English Language AS/A Level

Advanced Subsidiary (AS)

At AS, this specification will enable candidates to explore the fundamental structures and functions of writing, speech and conversation and how language functions in different social contexts. The AS specification has 2 units:

Unit 1: Categorising Texts

• Exploring and understanding spoken and written language in use
• The roles of purposes, audiences and contexts and the impact of these pressures upon language production and reception
• An analysis and investigation of a variety of extracts taken from everyday sources

Unit 2: Creating Texts

• Development of personal writing expertise through individual coursework
• Writing to entertain, to persuade, to inform and to instruct
• The use of register and style; characteristics of genres and sub-genres; the impact of language choices (lexis and grammar) and discourse strategies; the purposes and skills of planning, drafting and redrafting; the use of primary sources and of clear referencing of these materials; skills associated with analysing and reviewing the writing process and the reception of their own texts.

Advanced Level (A2)

At A2, the specification explores the nature and functions of language, how its key constituent parts have developed under the influence of a variety of contextual factors and how these changes may be analysed and evaluated creatively. The A2 specification has 2 units:

Unit 3: Developing Language

• Language acquisition - the nature and functions of language acquisition and social development of children from 0-11 years
• Language change - historical and contemporary changes in the English Language from Late Modern English (1700+) to the present day.

Unit 4: Investigating Language

• Coursework exploring and analysing language data
• Data collection methodology
• Analysis and interpretation of data using appropriate linguistic methods and techniques
• Evaluation and investigative conclusions.

Methods of Teaching and Learning

The course is focused around three core activities: making texts, investigating language and stylistics. Making texts includes experimenting with different styles of writing and speech in texts varying from oral presentations to stories and scripting. Investigating language involves collecting and analysing data in fieldwork and relating ideas to those discovered by researchers. Stylistics gives you practice in a methodical way of describing and analysing language of all types. This is a course for students who enjoy discovering how language works.

Enrichment

Guest speakers and trips will provide opportunities for enrichment.

Methods of Assessment

In each year one unit is assessed by a written examination and the second unit is assessed by coursework.

Resources

Students work from booklets, worksheets and textbooks. DVDs, computers and other IT facilities support the teaching and learning. There are further detailed references in the large specialist section in the Library.

Progression

English Language combines well with many other disciplines including Modern Languages, Law and Media Studies and so it is helpful for many Higher Education applications. It is an ideal basis for specialist vocational training including teaching and speech therapy. Whatever you do in life you will have to use language and this A-Level gives you opportunities to practise using it and with better understanding of what you are doing. Past students often comment on how helpful they have found the A Level in their further studies.

Entry Requirements

You will need five GCSE passes at grades C or above or the equivalent from 4 subject areas including GCSE English.

Charges

The books you study will be provided to you free of charge for your use through the course. There are no specific course charges, but you could expect to spend up to £50 per year on stationery, equipment and educational visit.