English Language A Level

Board: AQA

Paper 1: Language, the Individual and Society Section A: Textual Variations and Representations - Students study a range of texts, about various subjects, from various writers and speakers, for various audiences, for various purposes, in a variety of genres, using a variety of modes (written, spoken, electronic), from different times, from different places (global, national, regional). Section B: Children’s Language Development - Students explore how children develop their spoken and written skills.

Paper 2: Language Diversity and Change Section A: Language Diversity and Change - The aim of this area of study is to allow students to explore language diversity and change over time, including global English use. Topics include gender and language and multicultural English. Section B: Language Discourses - Students should study a range of examples of opinion based writing about language and be able to produce an evaluative response.

Non-examination Assessment: Language in Action Language Investigation - Students may choose to pursue an area of individual interest. For example, this might include investigating gender specific language use, occupational language use or even the way people talk to their pets! Original Writing - Students will produce one piece of original writing based on one of the following three areas: The Power of Persuasion, The Power of Storytelling and The Power of Information. They will also produce an accompanying analytical commentary.

You need to have gained a grade 5 in English Language, as well as meeting the standard entry criteria.

The English Language course is designed to suit students who are interested in the way language can be used to represent and influence society, as well as in the development of the English language over time and the way children learn to speak and write. Over the two years of the course, the areas of study and investigation are based on analysis, creativity and research into the wider social and political issues raised by language use. There is a considerable amount of freedom to study in fields and write in genres which suit students’ own interests and future academic or career plans. English Language may be successfully combined with any number of other subjects. It can prove a valuable addition as it helps to develop candidates’ skills in the essential areas of reading for meaning and analytical thinking.

A qualification in English Language is an excellent grounding for any number of careers, particularly those that require the ability to communicate clearly, in speech or writing, and those that require the ability to analyse. Those interested in journalism, media, law or the civil service would benefit from studying English Language.

For more information about the course, please see Mrs Mooney