Sixth Form: English Language (AS/A2)

Subject Overview

There are two separate A Levels offered by the English Department: English Language and English Literature.

The subject involves the study of the English Language in action with the study of the spoken word and how language is used in a variety of social contexts. Also the process of how children acquire language will be studied along with how language has changed from 1700 to the present day. There is also the opportunity to develop their written skills by completing their own original writing and a language investigation.

Syllabus

Unit 1: ENGB1 Introduction to the Study of Language

Involves the introduction to the study of the English Language with a particular focus on three themes: Language and Power, Language and Gender and Language and Technology.
Assessment is through a two hour examination which is worth 60% of the total marks for AS. This unit will be examined in the summer of 2013.

Unit 2: ENGB2 Creating Texts

Students are required to produce two pieces of original writing for different purposes and audiences and are expected to write 2500 to 3500 words. Examples of writing include: short story writing, dramatic monologues, magazine and newspaper articles and information booklets. This component is worth 40% of total AS mark.

Unit 3 and 4 are studied in Year 13

Unit 3: ENGB3 Developing Language

This unit builds on the knowledge which has been acquired during year 12, with an additional focus on how children acquire language. The second key programme of study is Language Change, involving the study of how the English language has changed from the Late Modern period through to the present day. Assessment is through an examination of 2hrs 30mins and is worth 30% of the total A level mark.

Unit 4: ENGB4 Investigating Language

Students produce two pieces of written coursework: A Language Investigation on a topic of their own choice and an associated media text. Students are expected to write 2500-3500 words. This unit is worth 20% of the total A level mark

Entry Requirements and Prohibited Options

In order to embark on either A Level English Language or A Level English Literature, students should have grade C at least in English Language at GCSE.

Activities and Trips

There will be opportunities to take part in Study Workshops at local Universities.

Expected Costs

English Language students are encouraged to purchase their own core text book, so that they can be annotated for examination preparation.

Complementary Subject Combinations and Enrichment Activities

The study of  English Language can be very successfully combined with English Literature, Sociology, Psychology, Law and Media Studies. Obviously, there are many combinations which would be successful, depending on student preferences.

Subject Resources

A selection of resources to help students with their study:

  • L:\English\KS5\English Language (this resource in only available from within school)

Here there are various folders for English Language, including material on Language Acquisition and Language Change

Past Papers

Past papers for English Language can be found at:

Useful Links (internal and external)

Further supporting material can be found at:

For further information please contact Mrs HarrisEmail icon, Curriculum Leader: Engllish