English Language

The Programme:

The study of English Language at AS and A2 has the potential to be a fascinating and richly rewarding course which will enable you to analyse, explore and experiment with a wide range of language types and texts.

During the course you will have opportunities to:
• develop expertise in writing for a variety of purposes and audiences;
• become a more effective communicator;
• understand the importance of language in society; how language unites and bonds
different groups of people and gives us a sense of our identity.

Course assessment

Unit 1: Categorising Texts – Text Varieties & Language and Social Contexts
(60% AS, 30% A2)

Unit 2: Creating Texts: coursework – two pieces of writing plus commentaries
(40% AS, 30% A2)

Unit 3: Language Acquisition & Language Change (30% A level)

Unit 4: Investigating Language coursework – your choice of study area (20% of A level mark)

Requirements:
Ideally, you will have achieved at least grade B at GCSE English Language.

Next Steps:
Many recent students have pursued their love of the subject at university, either by itself or in a combination with related subjects such as Education, Psychology, or Journalism. English Language at AS/A2 is recognised by universities and employers as a valuable and worthwhile subject in its own right, and appropriate for nearly all career paths.

Student Comment:
'The course has helped me improve my communication and analytical skills, but also has allowed to me the freedom to investigate areas of language use which have interested me most.'