English Language

It’s argued that the limitations of our language limit our access to the world, but does language also create our world? We use language to influence others, to communicate, to entertain, to create communities, but language also changes over time, changes as we get older and is sometimes used differently depending on our gender.

In this course we will look at how we acquire language as babies, where does it come from? We will look at how the media uses language to persuade and to inform. We will look at how language changes historically, why does it need to change, and where do new words come from? You will also do a piece of original writing on a topical issue concerning language.

If you love words and language, if you wonder why we use different words in different regions of the country, if you wonder why some words seem to have such power to offend others, if you are interested in people and how they communicate, A Level Language is for you.

Areas of study. Things students will look at in this A Level:

• A linguistic analysis of authentic texts.
• Original writing for a real-world purpose on a topical language issue.
• Analysis of how children acquire language.
• The use of language in the media.
• How language changes over time.
• An investigation into an area of each learner’s particular individual interest.

Component 1 - Exploring language. 80 marks 2 hours 30 minutes written exam 40% of total A level

Component 2 - Dimensions of linguistic variation. 80 marks 2 hours 30 minutes written exam 40% of total A level

Component 3 - Independent language research. 40 marks non-examined assessment. 20% of total A level

Overall Entry Requirements:

6 GCSE's at grade 4 or above including an English and Maths.

Course Specific Entry Requirements:

Students achieving at least a Grade 5 GCSE in English Language or English Literature will be considered on an individual basis should they be interested in studying English Language A level. A good English Language grade at GCSE is preferable.