A Level English Language

The 'A' Level English Language course at Teesdale has been running for some years now. Exam results at both AS and A2 have been most encouraging and the course is becoming extremely popular with a healthy take up anticipated for September 2006. The flexibility of the units enables students, to a large extent, to tailor the areas or study to their own particular interests for the coursework modules.

Who will enjoy English Language?

You will find this course interesting if you are the sort of person who enjoys producing their own creative writing or investigating the reasons why certain features of language exist. For example you will learn HOW children first learn to talk, investigate aspects of language and dialect and look at how language can be used persuasively to get others to do what we want.

What career paths can it lead to?

There is little doubt that the versatility of the final qualification and importance placed on language skills in the market place, make this a sound choice for students intent on a wide range of different careers. The qualification is well regarded by universities and is useful for anyone contemplating a career which involves dealing with the public. English Language is a useful 'A' Level to have if you want to work in Journalism, the Media, Law, Teaching or Social Work.

The Structure of the Course

AS (Year 1)

Module 1 - Introduction to the Study of Language

In this unit, students will be taught to use new terminology ( phonology, semantics, pragmatics ) to support them in their analysis of language throughout the course. Their study will focus on how speakers and writers choose and manipulate language to fit a given context. What are the "rules" of text messaging, for example? How might your speech vary between a conversation with your parents and one with your friends? The unit leads to a one and a half hour exam.

Module 2 - Language and Social Contexts

Again, this unit is tested in a one and a half hour exam. Candidates will study the ways in which language relates to society. The three main areas of study are: The Language of I.T., Language and Gender and Language of Occupational Groups.

Module 3 - Original Writing

Coursework (30% of the final mark). Students have to choose a specific context in which to write eg. a magazine article, short story, persuasive speech or radio play. This unit gives students a chance to explore their own language interests in a way that builds on the skills they acquired at GCSE. It also gives them a chance to be imaginative and creative in demonstrating their knowledge of language rules and conventions.

A2 (Year 2)

Module 4 - Investigating Language

This is a coursework module constituting 20% of the final mark. Candidates carry out research into an area of language they are interested in eg. how do football managers try to shift the blame for defeats through the language they use? Is the "Independent" newspaper truly independent? Is the accent of our local region getting stronger or dying out? They will be taught to use analytical and statistical methods to either prove or disprove a particular hypothesis. They will also be encouraged to look at the work of professional writers in this field such as David Crystal.

Module 5 - Editorial Writing

This module leads to a final examination. Students will learn how professional writers in a wide range of editorial contexts fashion their work to fit a particular audience and purpose. The examination gives students an opportunity to produce some editorial writing of their own and to demonstrate their skill and versatility with the written word.

Module 6 - Language Development

Candidates study the processes whereby children acquire language and literacy over time. How do we go from making simple noises as babies to being able to hold complex conversations or give formal speeches as adults? Study will also focus on the way language changes over time. In Shakespeare's day, "thou art a naughty knave" was just about the worst insult you could give someone. Why does it sound so mild and ineffectual now?

Assessment Weightings

AS Examinations
Unit 1
1 hour 30 minutes Introduction to the Study of Language	35% of the total AS mark 17.5 % of the total A2 mark
Unit 2
1 hour 30 minutes Language and Social Contexts	35% of the total AS mark 17.5 % of the total A2 mark
Unit 3
Coursework Original Writing	30% of the total AS mark 15 % of the total A2 mark
A2 Examinations
Unit 4
Coursework Investigating Language	15% of the total 'A' Level mark
Unit 5*
2 hours 30 minutes Editorial Writing	15% of the total 'A' Level mark
Unit 6
2 hours Language Development	20% of the final 'A' Level mark

* Please note that whilst most examinations are undertaken in June the Editorial Writing unit may be attempted in January of Year Two if the teacher feels candidates are ready.

Exam Entry Information

Entry for AS and A2 modules will be dependent upon regular attendance, a commitment to the subject and successful performance in school-based assessment. The student must demonstrate that he or she is capable of fulfilling their realistic potential in that module. If this is not the case, the Head of Department will not enter the student for that module in that examination sitting. Students will be offered the opportunity to take the module at a later date. Should the student insist upon taking the module in that sitting against the advice offered then it will be as a private candidate.