A-Level
Careers related to studying English Language:
If you choose to study English Language, you will develop comprehensive written and spoken communication skills, becoming adept at in depth analysis and crafting a variety of genres of writing. As a result, English Language students can be found in more or less every industry, filling a variety of roles – from editor to academic, or legal advisor to manager.
You could consider careers in: media, publishing, TV and radio, copywriting, events management, teaching, teaching English abroad, journalism.
Course content:
Through studying English Language at A Level you will have an opportunity to explore the remarkable way in which children are able to acquire language and how their environment impacts upon this process. There will also be opportunities for you to reflect upon the way in which the English language has developed over time and how it is used to create personal identities. Your independent research and analytical skills will be enhanced, during the course, as you embark upon your own language investigation.
Entry requirements:
You must have achieved at least a grade 5 in English Language GCSE.
Methods of study:
There are five lessons per week which are divided between two subject specialists. Teaching groups tend to be between eight and sixteen in number, and the course is taught through a range of teaching and learning strategies.
Methods of study (continued):
These strategies include group discussion (whole group, small group and pairs), close reading and annotation of texts and the use of audio/visual stimuli. You will also prepare presentations (individual, paired or small group) and will report back on your findings.
Much of your work will be produced independently. However, there are frequent opportunities to share ideas either prior to, during or after written assignments. You should expect to complete approximately 5 hours of independent study outside of your lessons. This could include: independent analysis, research, essay writing or other activities.
Methods of assessment:
Component 1 Language Variation
You will complete a written examination in which you will complete a written analysis/comparison of two 21st century texts (individual variation). You will also complete a comparative analysis of two different texts taken from two different periods (variation over time).
This is externally assessed and is worth 35% of the total qualification.
Component 2 Child Language
You will complete a written examination in which you analyse some unseen data related to the topic that you have researched. This is externally assessed and is worth 25% of the total qualification.
Component 3 Investigating Language
20% of the overall qualification
Component 4 Crafting Language (coursework)
You will produce two pieces of original writing from the same genre differentiated by function. You will also create a commentary in which you reflect upon your original writing. This is internally assessed and is worth 20% of the qualification.