English Language
Course Description
English Language A level is a very different subject to GCSE English. As well as developing writing and reading skills to a much higher level, English Language A level also provides a detailed study of how language actually works. Its aim is make students into linguists - experts in understanding language.
A wide range of ways of looking at language is reflected in the number of different topics studied across four units: three exam components (80%) and one coursework (20%)
Component 1 (30%) Language Concepts and Issues
The Analysis of Spoken Language topic (section A) involves working closely with transcriptions of speech from a range of real-life spoken language situations. In section B, the “Language Issues” essay options cover four areas: “Standard and Non-standard English”, “Language and Situation”, “Child-language Acquisition”, and “Language and Power”. Students are introduced to concepts that have immediate relevance to their own language use, which are then explored via written language analysis covering a wide variety of contexts.
Component 2 (30%) Language Change over time
This unit involves the exploration of a range of historical texts written since 1500. You will be exploring how language has change over time and learning key features of how language was used from 400 years ago. It is assessed via both short questions and essay responses.
Component 3 (20%) Creative and Critical Use of Language
This unit is, in many ways, different to the ones that have come before, but it is not less rigorous in its requirement that you understand language features of different kinds of texts. Its goal is to explore how you can write for different purposes, audiences and in different genres. You’ll be writing all sorts of different genres including short stories, extracts of novels, film scripts, comedy, and journalism. We also focus on how well you can analyse your own writing to explore and evaluate your language choices.
Component 4 (20%) Language and Identity NEA.
This coursework unit leads to a 2500 - 3500 word language investigation report following one’s own choice of language focus with teacher supervision.
This unit pulls together your knowledge built up on the course to investigate an aspect of language and identity. You will have a large degree of choice over your topic, with guidance from your teacher, and your coursework will be a unique project. You will develop research skills that are transferable across a wide range of subjects and potential careers. You will learn to use the library and online search engines to find relevant academic writing about your topic, and you will learn to assess and evaluate the relevance and validity of such sources.
