English Language

A Level

Curriculum

As a student of English Language you will be invited to take part in an incredibly diverse, knowledge rich subject and to take part in discussion and debate on controversial topics. As well as this, you will practice skills which will be immediately applicable and transferable to your life, career and further study. You will grow to understand how language shapes your own identity and how language itself is shaped by cultural factors such as gender, ethnicity and background. During your studies you will become an expert in language debates, understanding why language is often a contentious issue and developing the knowledge and skills to take part in these debates. As well as studying contemporary debates, you will also begin to understand the history of the English language, how it has changed over time and how it has spread across the globe. We also study child language acquisition, exploring the factors affecting how human beings learn to read, speak and write. Alongside this, you will develop a framework to help you explore texts and become skilled at applying this framework to texts – analysing, evaluating, and comparing how meaning is made through language. You will also develop as a writer, and improve the ability to craft your writing, but also to suit a variety of audiences and purposes. There will also be an element of independent study and you will
become more confident in exploring and investigating language, undertaking research, gathering data and drawing conclusions.

Progression

English Language complements all subjects but has obvious thematic links with psychology, sociology, history and biology. It is explicitly linked to degrees in linguistics, creative writing, media, education and journalism.

Careers

Any profession requiring a detailed and critical understanding of communication such as journalism, the media, law, banking and commerce as well as teaching in both the primary and secondary sectors.

Entry Requirements

Students must achieve six GCSE grades or equivalent at 6,6,5,5,4,4 including one Grade 5 and one Grade 6 in English Literature and English Language.

Assessment

The Exam Board is AQA.

Year 1 Paper 1: 50%, Paper 2: 50%
Year 2 Paper 1: 40%, Paper 2: 40% Coursework: 20%

Opportunities for work related activities

Visits and experiences at CLF academies (primary and secondary). Linguistics department at UWE.