English Language and Linguistics (A Level)  

•  Assessment
• Year 1 and 2
  80% exam; 20% coursework
• Exam board
  AQA

What Will You Learn?

If you think English Language A Level is like English Language GCSE, think again! You will explore the vibrancy
of the spoken and written word through an array of non fiction texts. Whereas at GCSE you are given a
contemporary and historical text to analyse, at A Level you will work with far more interesting written artefacts.
And, instead of analysing a passage of creative writing you will collect examples of language use and develop confident analytical skills as you learn how writers have created particular effects for specific audiences and purposes. You will be guided through the fundamental building blocks of language and its use: grammar, structure and style in order to feel accomplished in your understanding of the power of words and your ability to use it with confidence.

Modules

• Textual Variations and Representations: You will take a look at texts about various subjects, from different writers and speakers, aimed at numerous audiences for various purposes, in diverse genres, modes, times and places. This helps you to explore how language is shaped by these differences and contexts.
• Children’s Language Development: You will learn how children develop their spoken and written skills through the assessment of various elements.
• Language Diversity and Change: You will evaluate examples of language in use, such as those using different sociolects and dialects, those using language to represent different groups and those from different periods.
• Language Discourses: You will review a range of texts conveying attitudes to language diversity and change, giving you the opportunity to explore how texts are produced to convey views and opinions about language issues.
• Writing Skills: You will develop your ability to write in a discursive manner about language issues and analytically about texts as parts of discourses about language. You will write about language issues in a variety of forms to communicate ideas to a non-specialist audience.
• Language Investigation: An option for you to investigate an area of interest to you such as the language of new communication technologies, the language of the media or the historical changes in English over time.
• Original Writing: The chance to produce a piece of original writing based on The Power of Persuasion, The Power of Storytelling or The Power of Information, along with an accompanying  commentary.

Special Features

• Creative writing if offered for those who enjoy writing stories and poems and for students who are particularly interested in following a career involving writing.
• We take you to the theatre and lecture visits at conferences and universities.
• Guest lecturers from universities visit us and offer bespoke workshops on themes such as child language acquisition, or language and power.

Where Will This Lead?

One of the most desirable skills employers look for is good communication skills; the ability to explain, write or present ideas clearly and concisely is essential. That means English Language is a qualification valued in any job that involves communication, writing and/or literary knowledge, such as marketing, journalism, law or business. However, your English skills are valued in scientific, engineering, technological and mathematical careers too. This is because writing proposals, academic papers, articles and communicating with others is vital in these fields to promote the work undertaken and gain funding for projects.