Heanor Gate Science College AS/A LEVEL ENGLISH LANGUAGE The study of English Language will help you to understand how t e x t s a r e constructed. Each text is an act of communication with a specific audience and purpose. Understanding how texts work helps you to understand the wor ld a nd th e motivations of the people in it. Q: What do I need to do AS or A Level English Language? A: Grade C or above in English GCSE Why study English Language? English Language study is the gateway to many exciting careers and further education opportunities. Whatever your chosen path, from journalism and politics to teaching and the law, communication is the key to success. The study of written and spoken methods of communication at AS/A level is the ideal foundation for a career d e m a n d i n g communication skills. Course Content The new AQA specification for English Language allows the AS and A level courses to be co-taught, which allows greater flexibility to transfer between AS and A level courses. Central to these courses is the systematic study of spoken and written texts. Students are given the opportunity to build on their language skills by producing their own original writing, conducting research leading to a language investigation and analysing real examples of speech and writing from a range of everyday contexts. AS Course This course is assessed through 2 exam papers, each worth 50% of the final grade and both lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes. Paper 1 : Language and the Individual Read 2 texts and analyse how language is used in each text. Paper 2 : Language Varieties Section A - A discursive essay on language diversity (e.g. gender, occupation), with a choice of 2 questions. (30 marks). Section B - A directed writing task (e.g. an opinion article) on attitudes to language. (40 marks). A Level Course This course is assessed by 2 exams and 1 coursework folder. Each exam lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes; they are each worth 40% of the final grade. The coursework folder is worth 20%. Paper 1 : Language, the Individual and Society. Section A - Read 2 texts and analyse how language is used in each text. (2 x 25 marks). Compare and contrast how context affects language use in these 2 texts. (20 marks). Section B - Discursive essay on children’s language development, with a choice of 2 questions on spoken, written or multi-modal language. (30 marks) Paper 2 : Language Diversity and Change Section A - Choose one essay question from two choices on language diversity (e.g. gender/change). (30 marks) Section B - Read 2 texts about language diversity and change and answer 2 questions:  An analytical response to how the texts use language to present ideas, attitudes and opinions.  A directed writing task linked to the same topic and the ideas in the texts. Coursework Folder Students are given a wide choice to allow them to pursue individual interests. They produce:  A language investigation (2,000 words excluding data)  A piece of original writing and a commentary (1500 words total) WHAT WE EXPECT FROM STUDENTS  Contribute to group discussion of a range of written and spoken texts.  Read critically and respond sensitively to texts.  Essays and extended writing.  Meet coursework/class work and homework deadlines.  Read around the subject and apply terminology to texts.  Read related linguistic texts.