English Language Teacher in Charge of Subject:
Mrs Lea
Entry Requirements: Although this course is very different from GCSE, you should have gained at least a Grade B in English Language or Literature. Course Details: You will study two modules in Year 12 and two modules in Year 13. Categorising Texts - This exam unit covers the introductory aspects of the study of language using a variety of texts. There may be such things as an extract of conversation heard on a bus, the writing on a yoghurt pot or an extract from a children’s short story. In addition it focuses on three specific social contexts: Language and Power, Language and Gender and Language and Technology. Creating Texts - In this coursework unit candidates are encouraged to develop their own writing skills, producing writing in different genres for different audiences and purposes. Everything produced must be real writing: a newspaper article for example or a contemporary adaptation of a fairy tale. Developing Language – This exam unit has a detailed focus on two specific areas of language study: Child Language Acquisition (how children learn to speak, read and write up to age 11) and Language Change (how the English language has developed from its Anglo Saxon roots to the present day). Investigating Language – In this coursework unit candidates apply their knowledge of linguistic methods and concepts to an investigation of their choice. Students choose whichever area of language interests them most. The investigation is followed by the production of a media text (eg. newspaper or magazine article) focusing on the language ideas and issues surrounding the investigation topic.
Exams/Coursework: AS
60% Exam
40% Coursework
A2
60% Exam
40% Coursework
Career Options: English Language combines effectively at A Level and at undergraduate level with a huge range of subjects. It is a useful subject for Journalism, Law, Media Studies, Social Sciences, Modern Languages and Speech and Language therapy. Effective English is always a great asset for employment. Students wanting to study a traditional English course at University may need to study Literature too.