English Language (A Level)
Why study English Language?
The Edexcel A Level English Language course seeks to answer these questions and more by taking you on an exciting journey of language through time, space and social contexts. It will start by giving you the tools for the job: the language levels. These methods of analysis (ranging from phonetics to grammar) will make you an expert at analysing the different aspects of language. No more will you fear the ‘bogey monsters’ of grammar, complex sentences and the passive voice. You will become familiar enough with these concepts to debate with your peers the finer points of language choices that writers and speakers make. In this respect, the analysis you undertake will build upon your GCSE but also delve much deeper by addressing language in all its rich diversity.
Entry Requirements
In addition to our general entry requirements, you must have:
- GCSE English – grade 4
The Course
The course will appeal to students who have an interest in different times, places and people. You will learn to understand how a text’s context (social, cultural and historical) has an effect on its creation and the ways in which it can be received; you will be involved in debates around language or discussions about the meaning of newly created words and how they enter the public consciousness; you will appreciate how and why particular forms of language are chosen for particular purposes; you will become alert to all forms of communication – written, spoken, unspoken, electronic – and never see language in the same way again.
Course Activities
Students learn through a variety of activities including games, videos, analysing texts, writing, discussions, group work and independent research. Students are expected to do a minimum of 4.5 hours each week of independent study. In this time, you will be revising what you have done in class, reading, preparing work for your next lesson or doing homework or coursework.
Career and Progression Opportunities
The course is rigorous, exciting and highly regarded and would suit those considering varied careers such as in the media, public relations, law, psychology and teaching.
Course Structure and Assessment
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Module title and content |
Assessment |
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Paper 1: Language Variation
You will explore:
· how language varies depending on mode, field, function and audience · how language choices create personal identities · language variation in English from c1550 (the beginnings of Early Modern English) to the present day.
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Section A: Individual variation: Section B: Variation Over Time. One question on two thematically linked unseen texts/data, from two different periods. Students produce a comparative extended response.
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Paper 2: Child Language
You will explore:
· spoken language acquisition and how children learn to write between the ages of 0-8 the relationship between spoken language acquisition and literacy skills that children are taught, including the beginning of reading · theories of children’s language development
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One question based on a set of unseen data – either spoken or written. Students produce an extended response.
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Paper 3: Investigating Language
You will: · select a research topic from five topic areas · develop your research and investigating skills · undertake a focussed investigation · apply your knowledge of language levels and key concepts developed throughout the course · develop your personal language specialism
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Section A – one question on unseen data. Students answer the question on the subtopic they have researched.
Section B – one evaluative question. Students answer the question on the subtopic they have researched, making connections with data from their investigation.
· 1 hour 45 minute written examination
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Non- Examination Assessment: Crafting Language
You will:
· research a selected genre · demonstrate your skills as a writer within your selected genre, crafting texts for different audiences and/or purposes · reflect on your research and writing in an accompanying commentary |
Students produce two assignments, totalling 2500-3000 words.
Assignment 1: two pieces of original writing from the same genre, differentiated by function and/or audience (1500-2000 words)
Assignment 2: one 1000 word commentary, reflecting on the two pieces of original writing produced and making connections with research undertaken
· Total of 50 marks available: Assignment 1 is 30 and Assignment 2 is 20 marks · 20% of total A Level |
Additional Information
This subject can be combined with A level English Literature, but this is unusual, and most students choosing this combination would be committed to studying English at university. This subject CANNOT be combined with A level English Language & Literature.
Examination Board: Edexcel