Course Aims:

To develop methods of exploring and understanding spoken and written language in use; to understand the roles of purposes, audiences and contexts and the impact of these pressures upon language production and reception; to use linguistic methods to analyse and investigate a variety of extracts taken from everyday sources.

Course Content and Assessment:

AS+A2 = A Level

1. Categorising Texts: AS-60% A2-30%
2hr Written Exam (external)

This unit covers the introductory aspects of the study of language, exploring and understanding spoken and written language in use. It focuses on the roles of purposes, audiences and contexts and the impact of these pressures upon language production and reception. It requires analysis and investigation of a variety of extracts taken from everyday sources. In addition it focuses on three specific social contexts: Language and Power, Language and Gender and Language and Technology.

2. Creating Texts: AS-40% A2-20%
Coursework (internal)

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.

3. Developing Language: A2-30%
2.5hr Written Exam (external)

This unit builds on the knowledge & skills developed in AS studies, as well as having an additional focus on two new areas: language acquisition - the nature and functions of language acquisition and social development of children from 0-11 years and language change - historical and contemporary changes in the English Language from Late Modern English (1700+) to the present day.

4. Investigating Language: A2-20%
Coursework (internal)

In this unit, students demonstrate their knowledge through coursework exploring and analysing language data; data collection methodology and through analysis and interpretation of data using appropriate linguistic methods and techniques, writing evaluations and investigative conclusions.

Learning Methods:

Close study of texts in and out of class; note-making, discussion in class, practical work (e.g. recoding and transcribing spoken language); use of ICT; oral presentations to the group; background reading and research; written assignments including coursework.

Career Opportunities:

An increasingly values subject for admission to Further and Higher Education, for entry into the armed forces, the police, retail marketing, journalism and the media, tourism, sports management, nursing, teaching, insurance and social and financial services.

At degree level, English Language prepares students well for most Arts subjects and Social Sciences, especially, Law English (Linguistics and often Literature too), American/European Studies, Theatre Studies, Film and Media courses. N.B. English Language may be studied at A Level with English Literature, and also combines well with Drama/Theatre Studies and/or Media Studies.

Entry Requirements:

Five GCSE grades at C or above, including a B or above in English; and interest in the English Language, both spoken and written; the determination to get involved, work with discipline and enthusiasm; the preparedness to critically approach everyday texts encountered, independent of teacher direction.

Staff Contacts:

Miss Whitehead

Mrs Allen

Miss Griffiths

Miss Hague