A Level English Language

A Level English Language Course Overview

Develop proficiency in expressing yourself effectively, in writing and when speaking, both of which are essential criteria for success in any workplace.  You’ll also explore the language of media.

Pre-requisites

GCSE English at Grade C or above is recommended

Qualification

‘A’ Level in English Language

Specification

AQA A-Level English Language B (2705)

Support and benefits

• Flexible terms times
• Stepped learning approach
• Access to a dedicated tutor and student advisors to guide you through your studies
• Access to the ICS online Student Community, allowing you to interact with other students and browse our resource library
  

A Level English Language Key topics

• Unit 1 – Categorising Texts

The aim of this unit is to introduce you to methods of exploring and understanding spoken and written language in use. You will be examined on their understanding of the way purposes, audiences and contexts impact upon language production and reception.

You will be required to use linguistic methods to analyse and investigate a variety of texts taken from everyday sources.

• Unit 2 – Creating Texts

The aim of this coursework unit is to allow you the opportunity to develop and reflect upon your own writing expertise. You will be required to produce a folder comprising two pieces of original writing, differentiated by primary audience, purpose and genre, and two commentaries which explore the writing process and assess the success of the individual pieces.

• Unit 3 – Developing Language

The aim of this unit is to develop your understanding of the key concepts and theories surrounding language study. You will be expected to develop your skills and knowledge from your AS studies, with an additional focus on two new topics:

- the acquisition of language by children
- the development of and changes in English over time

This unit takes further the study of social contexts, genres of speech, writing and multi-modal texts first explored at AS by embedding questions about language development in particular contexts of use.

• Unit 4 – Investigating Language

The aim of this coursework unit is to develop your ability to explore and analyse language data through a variety of methods. It should enable you to build upon the key concepts and ideas gained during the course of your studies, as well as to demonstrate expertise in areas of individual interest.

The coursework folder will comprise two individual pieces of writing:

- a language investigation
- a media text

A Level English Language Course Code

H06

Technical Requirements

None

ICS Support Period

The support period for the above A Level is 18 months

Assessment

AS Units – AS Award 1706

Unit 1 – ENGB1 Categorising Texts

• 60% of AS, 30% of A Level
• 2 hour written examination
• 96 marks
• Introduction to the study of language, focussing on three specific social contexts: Language and Power, Language and Gender, and Language and Technology
• Available January and June

Unit 2 – ENGB2 Creating Texts

• 40% of AS, 20% of A Level
• Coursework – internally assessed, and externally moderated by AQA
• 80 marks
• Candidates produce writing in different genres and for different audiences and purposes (2500-3500 words)
• Available January and June

A2 Units – A2 Award 2706

Unit 3 – ENGB3 Developing Language

• 30% of A Level
• 2 hour 30 minutes written examination
• 96 marks
• Builds on AS knowledge and skills, with an additional focus on two new areas of language study: Child Language Acquisition and Language Change
• Available January and June

Unit 4 – ENGB4 Investigating Language

• 20% of A Level
• Coursework – Internally assessed, and externally moderated by AQA
• 80 marks
• Candidates produce two pieces: a language investigation and an informative media text (2500-3000 words)
• Available January and June