English Language
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
AS and A2 LEVEL
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
A grade A*, A or B pass in English at GCSE Level. Special circumstances will be given consideration.
AIMS
To train students in the skills of appreciating and analysing the language which is all around us; from advertisements to political speeches and from children's literature to instruction manuals. The course will help students to recognise bias in language and examine the way in which language works to achieve its effect. They will also be required to write their own pieces for a variety of specific purposes and audiences.
ASSIGNMENTS
Regular written assignments plus research and preparation for class discussion and the creation of folders of work to be used in the final assessment.
(A/S = Original Writing
A2 = Investigating Language).
CONTENTS
A/S Unit 1: An introduction to the study of Language; comparing different types of writing.
(35% of A/S, 17½% of ‘A’ Level)
Unit 2: Language and Social Contexts; looking at the dialects of the British Isles, gender, power and the language of technology.
(35% of A/S, 17½% of ‘A’ Level)
Unit 3: Coursework; comprising two items of original writing for different audiences and purposes.
(30% of A/S, 15% of ‘A’ Level)
A2 Unit 4: Investigating Language; a coursework project on a chosen aspect of language research.
(15% of the total ‘A’ Level)
Unit 5: Editorial Writing; re-writing given material for a new audience.
(15% of the total ‘A’ Level)
Unit 6: Language Development; examining the way in which children acquire language skills, along with the history of language change.
(20% of the total ‘A’ Level)
ASSESSMENT
A/S: Two traditional examinations of 1½ hours testing theoretical knowledge, along with a coursework folder of Original Writing.
A: Two written examinations of 2½ and 2 hours, on Editorial Writing and Language Development respectively, plus a coursework project; Investigating Language.
USEFULNESS IN THE FUTURE
An ‘A’ Level pass in this subject is recognised by all universities as an entry qualification for a full range of courses, both in Arts and Sciences. The course is also particularly useful for those hoping to pursue a career which involves writing in any form, from journalism to advertising… as well as teaching.
IF YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE
Contact: Mrs Farrell, Miss Preston or Mr Ward
