About the Course
English Language at A level introduces the study of English in its various forms and contexts – including how language is affected by power, gender, and technology, how language develops over time, and how children acquire language – with the concepts and methods appropriate for the analysis of language underpinning all elements of the course. Offering clear progression from GCSE, the English Language A level allows students to build on the skills already gained and develop a nuanced understanding of English in all contexts, both written and spoken. The variety of assessment styles used, such as data analysis, discursive essays, directed writing, original writing and research- based investigative writing, allows students to develop a wide range of skills and practices. These include critical reading, data analysis, evaluation, the ability to develop and sustain arguments, and a number of different writing skills, all of which are invaluable for both further study and future employment.
Exam Board
Requirements
Course Content
Paper 1: Language, the Individual and Society. Students critically respond to texts and explore how meaning is represented and evaluate how children learn a language in its various forms.
Paper 2: Language Diversity and Change. Students evaluate how language is affected according to various sociolinguistic contexts (such as gender, power, and technology), explore 'Language Discourses' - how language ideas are represented in texts - and produce their own opinion article in response to language issues.
Non-exam Assessment: Language in Action. Students select an area of language study that interests them and undertake an independent research project on a topic of their choosing. They also produce a creative piece and an analytical commentary.