English Language
Contact : Ms S Stone Email : stones @ pocklingtonschool . com
Course : A Level English Language Exam Board : Eduqas
An A level course in English Language equips a student with critical , evaluative and creative linguistic skills , essential in a modern world which is consumed by its ever-expanding genres of communications . Literacy has never wielded such power and influence ; today ’ s student must be a discerning critic and active , independent writer , whatever career they might aspire to .
COURSE ENTRY AND QUALIFICATIONS
The course is best suited to those willing to approach new and unfamiliar concepts with an open mind and to be prepared to form and put forward their views and ideas . Self-motivation and a willingness to read widely are also essential . Students should have achieved at least a grade 6 at GCSE / IGCSE English Language or English Literature .
CONTENT OF COURSE
English Language will offer you the opportunity to unravel text and investigate speech , searching for layers of meaning and tracking changes and trends in language usage . You will learn to deconstruct fragments of language as small as text messages or scraps of dialogue . You will form your own original pieces as the course develops your ability to speak and write for different purposes and audiences . Over the full course you will develop your perception and analysis of the different varieties of English that you see , read or hear , redefining both your fluency and competence in speech and writing .
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AS A QUALIFICATION FOR FURTHER STUDY AND CAREER OPTIONS
English Language A level commands academic respect . Some of the country ’ s top universities name it as a preferred subject . English Language demonstrates an appreciation of and skill in communication . The course offers a critical foundation for careers that rely on refined communication skills : law , medicine , media , modern languages and publishing being just some examples .
COURSE OUTLINE
A level ( examining all components of the 2 year course )
PAPER CONTENT MARKS AVAILABLE
Component 1 : Language Concepts and Issues 2 hour written examination 30 % of qualification
Component 2 : Language Change Over Time 2¼ hour written examination 30 %
Component 3 : Creative and Critical Use of Language 1¾ hour written examination 20 % of qualification
Component 4 : Language and Identity Non-exam assessment : 2500-3500 words 20 % of qualification
Section A : Analysis of Spoken Language : One question requiring analysis of at least two transcriptions
Section B : Language Issues : One question from a choice of three based on the study of four topic areas
Section A : Language Change Over Time : One multi-part question and one essay question analysing language change over time
Section B : English in the Twenty-First Century : One multi-part question on the ways language is used in the twenty-first century
One question , from a choice of two , requiring two original writing responses and one commentary
Language investigation based on the study and research of a topic related to language and identity
Learners choose a topic from the following list : language and self-representation ; language and gender ; language and culture ; or language and diversity
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