WOO D L A N D S S C HOO L
2 0 11 S I X T H F O R M C U R R I C U L U M
English Language AS/A2 Level Examination Board: AQA Specification B Aims of Course The AS and A2 English Language courses encourage students to develop their interest and enjoyment in the use of English Language, as well as introducing students to an understanding of concepts and framework for the study of language. The course will develop skills in using language for a variety of audiences and purposes.
Programme of Study at AS Level and A2 Level AS course content:
A2 course content:
1 Analysing text varieties, including speech and its representation (examination).
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1 Studying the impact of social contexts on spoken and written texts (examination). 1 Creating texts for a range of audiences and purposes, (coursework).
Develop skills and knowledge from AS by studying the key concepts and theories surrounding language study, focusing on two topics: - Child language acquisition. - The development and changes in the English language over time (examination).
1 Investigative study of language to be accompanied by a media text, (coursework).
Approaches to Learning Students will be encouraged to independently explore the ways in which varieties of language data, (written and spoken), can be grouped, using their knowledge of the language frameworks. They will be expected to explore and analyse how spoken and written texts reproduce ideas about cultural values and assumptions, particularly with regards to gender, power and technology. This will include, for example, studying the social practices that surround modern forms of communication, considering how participants in various forms of interaction behave and looking at how speakers use language in single-sex and mixed-sex interactions. Students will build on this knowledge and understanding in A2, where they will learn all about how language has changed from the Old English of the Anglo Saxons to the ‘netiquette’ of today as well as why we feel the need to use ‘baby talk’ when speaking to young children. The nature of this subject requires independent investigation and research in students’ own time. Students will be expected to actively participate in group discussion, role plays and presentations.
Who is this course aimed at? An inquisitive mind and a genuine interest in the English Language are vital. A curiosity about language and the way it is used to influence others will aid your studies in all areas of the course. This course will obviously benefit those who have a particular interest in English, and it will complement the study of English Literature, any Modern Foreign Language, History and Psychology.
Minimum entry requirement is a grade C in English Language at GCSE.
E N H A N C E D B Y S P E C I A L I S T T E C H N O L O G Y, M A T H S A N D C O M P U T I N G S T A T U S