What will I study?
English Language A Level is a fascinating course studying
English in its many different forms, spoken and written, literary
and non-literary. It develops from, but is different to, GCSE
English. You may find yourself analysing a poem from the fourteenth
century and then an advert from the twenty-first! You will study a
variety of texts with attention to such things as the way language
changes historically, language in society (such as the effects of
gender, social class and ethnic identity), language and technology
and discourse analysis (the study of conversation). Being able to
read widely in the subject will be important, and so will be using
the Senior Library for research. We teach by discussion, and there
will be regular essays and exercises. You will need to learn how to
analyse language in rigorous detail, and there will be opportunity
for original writing of your own, which you will be expected to
write a commentary on.
At A2, you will build on what you have learned for AS,
attempting a small research project of your own. You will also make
a detailed examination of the theories of language change and
language acquisition (how children learn first to speak, then
write, the language). You will need to become familiar with
linguistic theory, and demonstrate the ability to apply theoretical
frameworks to the study of language, both spoken and written. You
should study English Language if you have a genuine interest in the
different ways that English works within and beyond literary texts
and if you would relish the freedom that the coursework gives for
your own writing and ideas.
How will I be assessed?
ENB1 (June), Categorising Texts, Examination, 60% of the AS mark
(30% of the total A Level mark)
ENB2 (March), Creating Texts, Coursework, 40% of the AS mark
(20% of the total A Level mark)
ENB3 (June), Developing Language, Examination, 30% of the A
Level mark
ENB4 (March) Investigating Language, coursework, 20% of the
total A level mark)
Desirable Requirements
You should achieve at least a Grade B in English and English
Literature, be a keen reader and have an interest in the way
language works.
Where will it lead?
The subject is widely acceptable at universities as a
qualification for Arts and Law courses. Anyone wishing to study
English at university probably has the broadest range of options if
he has taken English Literature as a single course at A level.
However the Language course is acceptable for many English courses,
whilst providing the best background for those interested in a
degree in Linguistics. English is a well respected degree course
which can lead to a myriad of opportunities, most obviously in the
media and journalism but also in non-English related careers.