English Language

Course summary

A Level English Language is a two-year linear course. This means that although you will complete numerous assessments and practice exams throughout your time at college, the exams which will provide you with your qualification come at the end of two years of study. You will learn about a wide range of interesting linguistic topics, and be expected to discuss, analyse and evaluate both language itself and many of its associated concepts and theories. It’s a challenging and diverse course, which our current students love! WHY STUDY THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE? You should study this course if you are interested in finding out how language works and in analysing the importance of social context on how we express ourselves. The course will help you to develop your communication skills, both in speech and writing, as well as help you to increase your analytical and evaluative skills. There is a small creative element as well, but please be aware that this is a linguistics course, and not a creative writing course. COURSE STRUCTURE & CONTENT This is a two-year course and over that period you will develop your understanding of different linguistic study methods and the importance of things like audience, purpose and wider context in the production of language. The areas to be studied are as follows: • Language, the Individual and Society o Textual variations and Representations: analyzing and comparing texts linked by a common theme, including an element of how language has changed over time. o Children's language development (0-11 years): exploring how children learn to speak, read and write. • Language Diversity and Change o Exploring ideas around language diversity e.g., how language is used in relation to your: gender, region, ethnicity, social class and groups, occupation. o Considering how and why language has changed over time and continues to change now. o Analysing how texts use language to present ideas about language itself, and writing an opinion text of your own in response to this. • Language in Action o Creating a piece of original writing for a set audience and purpose, using professional texts as style models and evaluating your writing process. o An independent investigation into language use on a topic/in an area of your choice.