English Language – New for 2024!

QUALIFICATION:

A Level

OVERVIEW:

A level English Language is an intellectually stimulating and versatile subject that equips students with a wide range of valuable skills. With elements of History, Sociology, Science, Media Studies and Psychology woven into it, English Language is a broad and fascinating subject which helps us to understand the origins and uses of the language we speak every day.

By studying this subject, students develop a deep understanding of English and how it functions in various contexts, from everyday conversation to media and advertising. This course fosters critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to deconstruct and analyse complex texts, making it an excellent choice for those who seek to become more astute communicators and critical readers.

Furthermore, A level English Language provides a foundation for careers in a wide range of fields, as it hones students’ proficiency in written and spoken language. It also encourages a profound appreciation for language diversity and the technical intricacies that English speakers utilise every day – often without even realising!

Overall, A level English Language offers students the chance to explore the innermost workings of the English language while developing skills that are applicable in a wide array of professional and academic pursuits.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

It is recommended that students have achieved a Grade 5 or higher at GCSE English Language.

EQUIPMENT:

Course textbooks

SKILLS:

The most successful English Language students will have a keen interest in how language works and how it has developed over time. Analytical skills are key, as well as the ability to communicate complex ideas in an effective way. Independent research skills will be used for your own language investigation into a chosen area of personal interest. This course will develop your critical thinking skills and your ability to question, evaluate and analyse uses of language.

ASSESSMENT:

• Language, the Individual and Society (exam, 40%) – Section A: Textual Variations and Representations; Section B: Children’s Language Development.
• Language Diversity and Change (exam, 40%) – Section A: Diversity and Change; Section B: Language Discourses
• Language in Action (non-exam assessment, 20%) – a language investigation and a piece of original writing

FUTURE PROSPECTS:

A level English Language offers many pathways into the future because of the wide range of transferable skills it offers students. Successful English Language students will have a wide array of higher education courses and future careers open to them; university courses in fields like Law, Journalism, Linguistics and Marketing all value English Language A level highly. This subject opens up career possibilities in Publishing, Media, Advertising, Linguistics, Education, Speech Therapy, Government and Academia, as well as many more. The opportunities are endless!