English Language

Module

Module Content

AS

UNIT 1

Categorising Texts

This unit will introduce you to various key language concepts using a variety of texts as the basis of this study. You will focus on developing an understanding of spoken and written language in use and exploring the roles of features of context such as purpose and audience in the texts created. In the first part of the exam we will explore how specific texts can be categorised while in the second we’ll focus on one of three specific social contexts: Language and Power, Language and Gender and Language and Technology.

Exam

2 hours

60% of AS marks

30% of total A level marks

AS

UNIT 2

Creating Texts

In this unit you’ll be able to develop your own writing skills through original writing coursework. You’ll produce two texts in different genres for different audiences and purposes based on your own areas of interest.  Students in the past have, for example, created an opinion piece entitled: “Why I hate Christmas” for a broadsheet newspaper and a short story modelled on the Goosebumps series, aimed at older children. Following the coursework, you’ll write two concise commentaries focusing on key writing decisions you have made during the planning stages of your coursework.

Coursework

40% of AS marks

20% of total A level marks

A2

UNIT 3

Developing Language

This unit focuses on two specific areas of language study: Child Language Acquisition and Language Change.  Here you will learn about spoken and written development of children from 0-11 years and study historical and modern changes in the English Language between 1700 and the present day. The exam explores data on each of these topics in detail, focusing on what they suggest about Language Development.

Exam

2 hours 30 minutes

30% of total A level marks

A2

UNIT 4

Investigating Language

The coursework unit is in two parts – in the first, you will have the opportunity to select a specific aspect of language to investigate in detail.  You will collect your own data and explore it thoroughly using appropriate language methods.  After the detailed analysis you will produce an informative media text (e.g. newspaper or magazine article) for a non-specialist audience based on your investigation topic.

Coursework

20% of total A