English Language

A level | AQA

English Language offers opportunities for students to develop their own creative writing skills, concentrating particularly on the power of persuasion, storytelling and information. Equally, we analyse how language works in the ‘real world’ and explore the power and politics behind it; it is a subject which reflects social and political change in our culture. The first year focuses on a detailed study of linguistic methods of analysis and different attitudes towards language. We also examine language and social contexts, such as gender, power, and technology. In the second year we explore children’s language acquisition and language change. Students will be expected to carry out an investigation into a linguistic area that interests them, in addition to producing creative texts.

Progression Opportunities

Highly regarded as a subject by university admission tutors. Great foundations for a degree in English, Law, Journalism, Politics and Sociology. The subject provides essential skills with which to step into the world of work, including an understanding of language as a powerful tool. Entry Requirements

• Grade 5 in English Language • Grade 5 in English Literature

Assessment Overview

The A level in English Language will be assessed in two written examinations and two pieces of coursework as detailed below. The exams will take place at the end of the A level year; the coursework will be assessed throughout the course.

Paper 1: Assessment - written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes, 100 marks, 40% of A level

Language and the Individual in Society • Language varieties and child language acquisition • Understanding of linguistics, context and hidden meanings behind language • Children’s language development

Questions: • Section A: Textual Variations and Representations; close textual analysis • Section B: Child Language Development; an analysis focused on data provided Paper 2: Assessment - written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes, 100 marks, 40% of A level

Language Diversity and Change • Language diversity and language change • Language and gender/occupation/social group/ ethnicity etc. • How language has changed over time • Language discourses • Writing skills

Questions: • Section A: Diversity and Change: an evaluative essays on language diversity or language change • Section B: Language Discourses : a question requiring analysis of how texts use language to present ideas, attitudes and opinions • A directed writing task linked to the same topic and the ideas in text, which should be lively and entertaining.