Pupils will take the full A Level at the end of their Upper Sixth Year. English Language A Level is much more specialist than the English studied at GCSE level, requiring clear understanding of grammatical and structural features to analyse the subtle language choices made in every written or spoken text. This descriptive linguistic approach celebrates the diversity of the English language and how it changes according to identity and cultural contexts. Pupils will cover a broad selection of topics ranging from: language and social groups, language and occupation, language and power, language and gender, to the rise of global English, together with broader areas of study such as: child language acquisition and a history of the English language. The course allows maximum opportunity to develop personal and independent language interests. For example, the pupils are able to investigate an area of language in which they have a particular interest as part of their coursework; in addition, the course allows pupils to pursue an interest in creative or transactional writing, and encourages an exploration of texts of many genres. English Language combines well with Languages, Drama, History, Politics, Psychology and Business Studies, while offering breadth to pupils with science-based options. It also complements English Literature very effectively, particularly for those pupils considering reading English at university.
Pupils must normally achieve five GCSEs in grades 9 to 4, including English and Maths. Candidates are expected to have a grade of 6 or above in the subjects they wish to take in the Sixth Form. Consideration will be given in exceptional circumstances to change this by the Headmaster.
Component 1: Language, the Individual and Society This component assesses textual variations and representations, the development of children's speech, reading and writing from 0 – 11 years. Advanced methods of language analysis are integrated into the activities. The component is assessed in a written examination of 2 hours 30 minutes and makes up 40% of the A Level. The component is split into two sections: Section A will consist of three questions on two unseen texts (one contemporary and one older text) linked by topic or theme. There will be one question on each of the texts and one question comparing the texts. Section B will focus on children's language development; this is assessed through one discursive essay from a choice of two questions. Again the data provided will focus on spoken, written or multimodal language. Component 2: Language, Diversity and Change This component assesses language diversity and change, language discourses, and writing skills. Advanced methods of language analysis are integrated into the activities. The component is assessed in a written examination of 2 hours 30 minutes and makes up 40% of the A Level. The component is split into two sections: Section A will consist of one evaluative question on language diversity or change, from a choice of two options. Section B assess language discourses through analysis of two texts about a topic linked to the study of diversity and change. There are two questions in this section, one question requiring analysis of how the texts use language to present ideas, attitudes and opinions and secondly, a directed writing task linked to the same topic and the ideas in the texts, which may be in the format of an option article or persuasive writing task. Component 3: NEA (Non-Examined Assessment) Investigating Language and Original Writing Pupils are expected to research an area of English Language of their choice to present an informed investigation of 2000 words (excluding data). They also have the opportunity to develop their own original writing by producing one piece of writing and a commentary totalling 1500 words. The original writing can be creative, persuasive or informative and encourages pupils to read a range of texts and genres. Both the investigation and original writing must be completed for this component. This counts for 20% of the A Level.
About Education Provider
| Region | North West |
| Local Authority | Lancashire |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Unknown |
| Sixth Form Fee | Unknown |
| Address | Ribby Road, Kirkham, Preston, PR4 2BH |
Pupils will take the full A Level at the end of their Upper Sixth Year. English Language A Level is much more specialist than the English studied at GCSE level, requiring clear understanding of grammatical and structural features to analyse the subtle language choices made in every written or spoken text. This descriptive linguistic approach celebrates the diversity of the English language and how it changes according to identity and cultural contexts. Pupils will cover a broad selection of topics ranging from: language and social groups, language and occupation, language and power, language and gender, to the rise of global English, together with broader areas of study such as: child language acquisition and a history of the English language. The course allows maximum opportunity to develop personal and independent language interests. For example, the pupils are able to investigate an area of language in which they have a particular interest as part of their coursework; in addition, the course allows pupils to pursue an interest in creative or transactional writing, and encourages an exploration of texts of many genres. English Language combines well with Languages, Drama, History, Politics, Psychology and Business Studies, while offering breadth to pupils with science-based options. It also complements English Literature very effectively, particularly for those pupils considering reading English at university.
Pupils must normally achieve five GCSEs in grades 9 to 4, including English and Maths. Candidates are expected to have a grade of 6 or above in the subjects they wish to take in the Sixth Form. Consideration will be given in exceptional circumstances to change this by the Headmaster.
Component 1: Language, the Individual and Society This component assesses textual variations and representations, the development of children's speech, reading and writing from 0 – 11 years. Advanced methods of language analysis are integrated into the activities. The component is assessed in a written examination of 2 hours 30 minutes and makes up 40% of the A Level. The component is split into two sections: Section A will consist of three questions on two unseen texts (one contemporary and one older text) linked by topic or theme. There will be one question on each of the texts and one question comparing the texts. Section B will focus on children's language development; this is assessed through one discursive essay from a choice of two questions. Again the data provided will focus on spoken, written or multimodal language. Component 2: Language, Diversity and Change This component assesses language diversity and change, language discourses, and writing skills. Advanced methods of language analysis are integrated into the activities. The component is assessed in a written examination of 2 hours 30 minutes and makes up 40% of the A Level. The component is split into two sections: Section A will consist of one evaluative question on language diversity or change, from a choice of two options. Section B assess language discourses through analysis of two texts about a topic linked to the study of diversity and change. There are two questions in this section, one question requiring analysis of how the texts use language to present ideas, attitudes and opinions and secondly, a directed writing task linked to the same topic and the ideas in the texts, which may be in the format of an option article or persuasive writing task. Component 3: NEA (Non-Examined Assessment) Investigating Language and Original Writing Pupils are expected to research an area of English Language of their choice to present an informed investigation of 2000 words (excluding data). They also have the opportunity to develop their own original writing by producing one piece of writing and a commentary totalling 1500 words. The original writing can be creative, persuasive or informative and encourages pupils to read a range of texts and genres. Both the investigation and original writing must be completed for this component. This counts for 20% of the A Level.