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English Language

Entry Requirements

GCSE Grade 6 in English Language and Literature.

Course Content

The English language is a subjective, fluid, ever‐evolving concept, making this course both interesting and intellectually stimulating. You will explore the machinations of language at word, sentence and whole‐text level in a range of real‐world texts, and deconstruct the many ways in which these can be shaped, built and manipulated. The course guides you through both writien and spoken language, including texts from across the last five centuries, texts in modern media and the development of spoken language in young children. You’ll also get to grips with challenging ideas regarding what’s ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ in language use, particularly with regards to power, gender and technology, and how these atitudes shape and are shaped by societal norms, conventions and constraints.

In addition, an extended NEA task allows you to investigate language in a specific area, developing initiative, analysis and presentation skills at the highest academic level. 
Overall, the course encourages you to develop your interest in, and appreciation of, the English Language, learning about structures, functions, development and variations. The course is challenging, varied and exciting— it will change the way you think about the world you’re in and the words you use.

Specification

Assessment

A Level Units Examined in Year 13   % of A Level
Paper 1 - Exploring Language
  • Language under the Microscope
  • Topical Language Issue
  • Comparing and Contrasting texts
40%

Paper 2 - Dimensions of Linguistic Variation

  • Child Language Acquisition
  • Language in the Media
  • Language Change
40%

NEA: Independent Language Research

  • 2500 word language investigation
  • 1000 word academic poster
20%
Coursework is completed in Year 13

Careers

English graduates have done things as diverse as working in law, design and technology, computing, journal-ism, accountancy, publishing, TV, music, education, retail, catering and writing. The beauty of English at A level is that it prepares you for every-thing in general and allows you to keep your options open during the course of your student life.

Contact Mr Stubbert