Exam Board: AQA
Levels available: AS (1 Year) and A2 (additional 2nd Year)
What do I need to know or be able to do before choosing this subject?
If you have loved GCSE English Language and are curious to analyse language in greater depth, A-level English Language will interest you. You will need to gain a grade C or above in GCSE English Language to start the course. Moreover, you will need to be interested in reading widely - both fiction and non-fiction texts.
What do the courses consist of and how will I be assessed?
The AS (Advanced Subsidiary) Specification A
This is the first half of the full A-level course. This is a new Specification and the course has changed since last year. All the modules are examined; there is no written coursework.
The AS level is made up of three units:
- Discovering language
This unit allows students to investigate how language might affect social values. It also is intended as a general introduction to the study of language. - Using language
In this unit you will be analysing a text. This connects to an original writing task. - In this unit you will be analysing spoken language.
Assessments: One written paper of 1 hour 30 minutes.
The Advanced Level (AS + A2) Specification B (2007 only)
This is the last year that A2 Specification B will be taught. The full Advanced level qualification is made up of the 3 AS Units plus 3 more Units studied at A2 level. If you decide to continue with the second half of the course in Y13 you will study the following additional Units:
- Investigating language (15%)
In this unit you will apply your knowledge of conceptual frameworks, gained in modules 1 and 2, to complete a small research project (2000-4000 words) of your own choice. - Editorial language (15%)
You will be learning how to construct a new text from a variety of sources. This unit will build upon the skills acquired in module 3 of the AS Level.
Assessment: one written paper of 2 hours and 30 minutes. - Language development (20%)
In this synoptic unit you will focus in a more rigorous manner than in module 2 on two specific areas of language study: language change and language acquisition.
Assessment: one written paper of 2 hours.
How could I develop key skills by doing this course?
As well as covering the study of A-level English Language , the AS/A2 courses will enable you to develop key skills. Your teacher will let you know when a particular piece of work also accounts for Key Skills assessment as well as for English Language assessment. You will need to keep evidence of this work in a Portfolio for assessment later if you wish to gain a Key Skills qualification. During this course examples of key skills could include:
- Communication e.g. contribute to discussions; make a presentation.
- Application of Number e.g. plan and interpret information from different sources.
- Information & Communication Technology e.g. present information.
- Improving own learning & performance e.g. agree and plan targets.
- Problem solving e.g. recognise and explain a problem.
- Working with others e.g. plan activities; work to agreed objectives; review
activities.
What could I go on to do after the course?
A-level English Language opens the door to many careers for it indicates to prospective employers that you have read widely and have the ability to think through ideas logically and constructively. Higher education institutions generally offer a wide range of English degrees. In addition, English is offered with many other subjects leading to a Combined Honours degree.