What you will study

English Language

Component

1: Language variation

This component introduces students to the ways in which language varies according to the contexts of production and reception. Students will explore and critically evaluate how language choices can create personal identities. They will also explore and critically evaluate how language changes over time. They will explore variation in the English language from c1550 (the beginnings of Early Modern English) to the present day.

Component 2: Child Language Acquisition

This element of the course will explore the stages of early development (0–8 years) in child language acquisition, considering the various features and functions of spoken language use during this period. Students will familiarise themselves with a range of relevant theories, theorists and conventions within the field. They will also study the way in which children learn to write.

Component 3: Investigating Languages

In this component, students will have the opportunity to develop their research and investigation skills. They will consolidate their knowledge of language frameworks and key language concepts gained from components 1, 2 and the non-examination assessment.

Students will apply these skills to an area of language study that particularly interests them, selected from prereleased subtopics, in preparation for an externally assessed examination. This component is skills based, with the content being driven by a student’s interests.

Students’ investigation skills are developed in the context of one of the following four topic areas:

• Global English

• Language and Gender Identity

• Langauge and Journalism

• Language and Power

Component 4: Coursework

In the non-examination assessment, students will develop their research skills as they explore their selected writing genre and will demonstrate their skills as writers, crafting texts for different audiences and purposes. They will also reflect on their work in an accompanying commentary, making connections with their research. Students are required to write two pieces of factual or imaginative writing of approximately 1000 words each which are aimed at a specific audience. They are also required to write a commentary for the 400 words for each piece analysing their language choices.