English Language is the study of both written and spoken language. It covers how we talk in natural conversation and also how we alter our mode according to who we are speaking to.

Topics for AS include; Gender, Power and Technology. Lessons will take the form of pupil presentations, seminar style discussions and close annotation of a variety of materials.

AS Topics

Unit 1: Exam 1 ½  hours 60%

This unit will cover 3 topics; language and gender, technology and power.  You will study how language in both written and spoken mediums alters in these contexts.

Unit 2: Coursework 40%

A2 Topics

Unit 3: Exam 2 hours 30%

This unit is divided into two topic areas; Child Language Acquisition and Language Change.  You will answer one question on each area.

Unit 4: Coursework 20%

Where does it lead?

An A Level in English Language can lead to almost any profession and further areas of study at University.  It is a good basis for links with Psychology, History, RE, Media and Law.

Why you should study English Language?

You should study English Language if you are interested in learning about how language works and how we communicate in society. You should also enjoy investigating particular areas of linguistic study independently. You might also have enjoyed creative writing at GCSE.

The course will enable you to develop many different skills such as learning about how we communicate with one another and how we use body language to get our point across. You will also look at Language from a Linguistic point of view.

What skills do I need to be successful in this subject?

• You must want to look at the English language from a new and different point of view
• You must like investigating new areas of study
• You must enjoy looking at spoken and written texts
• You must enjoy working on independent projects
• You must like giving presentations and sharing your ideas with the group
• You must enjoy creative writing

Assessment

AS Language is assessed through both exam and coursework units.  The exam will consist of a choice of three questions.  The coursework will ask you to create and write your own text for a specific audience and purpose.

Enrichment Activities

Investigating Language requires you to tape and transcribe many different conversations in different contexts.  To complete this you will have to go out of the classroom and record the spoken word around you.

Preparing for Study

• Find out who David Crystal is and what he is famous for
• Tape two different conversations about different topics and make notes on how the speakers talk to one another e.g. does one person interrupt more than the other?

Other Information

There are no set texts for English Language though we do recommend that you purchase a good revision guide such as Langman, OUP or Philip Allen Updates. Also a good dictionary such as the Collins or Oxford editions is essential.  A reading list will be available on the AS Induction day.