Northallerton College Department of English

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GCSE

AS/A2 English Language

AS/A2 English Language

Frameworks

Textual Analysis

Representation

Language Acquisition

Spoken Interaction

AS Coursework

A2 coursework

Texts in Time

Language Variation

Recasting

Debates

Applying to University?

Download a copy of the AQA A specification (requires a pdf reader such as Adobe Acrobat)

Download a copy of the AS Student Handbook (word document).

Download a copy of the A2 Student Handbook (word document)

Colchester 6th Form College
Some useful language related links

A Level Resources - for teachers and students. Provided by the Department of Linguistics at Lancaster University

Linguistic Fact Sheets
Compiled by The Linguistics Association of Great Britain (LAGB)

Linguistics Resources
Search the web for linguistic resources

Language Topics - Useful resources – based on the OCR course but still relevant.

 

Course Content

We are following the AQA Specification A.

Module 1 Discovering Language
This module is designed to introduce you to language study by learning how frameworks for analysis are used to describe how lanagugae functions in given contexts; by exploration of a variety of texts; and through a special study of Language Acquisition and Language and Representation.

Module 2 Using Language
In this module you will develop your own writing skills together with the study of linked texts for analysis. (Coursework).

Module 3 Interacting Through Language
You will study the nature and functions of language in face to face situations, exploring the speaking and listening skills required to be an effective communicator. You will learn how we communicate through spoken interaction.

Module 4 Language Investigation
This module requires you to apply your knowledge about language and your analytical skills to the design and execution of an independent research project that will enable you to pursue your own interests in language study. (Coursework).

Module 5 Language Variation and Change
This module builds on the analytical skills developed in Module 2. You will be asked to demonstrate that you can analyse a range of more challenging texts from different times. In this module you will also study language variation and change in contemporary Britain, engaging with issues concerning attitudes to language and its social distribution and significance.

Module 6 Language Debates
In the final module you will revisit themes and topics from the earlier modules. You will be required to bring together your knowledge, understanding and skills from earlier modules to enter into social, cultural and academic debates about language. You will also be expected to apply your understanding of language to the recasting of texts to create new artefacts.

Course Structure

AS Examination Summer Yr1

Module 1 Discovering Language
1 ½ hour exam - 2 questions - 35% of the total AS marks - 17.5% of the total A level marks

Module 2 Using Language Coursework
4 assignments - 30% of the total AS marks - 15% of the total A level marks

Module 3 Interacting Through Language
1 ½ hour exam - 2 questions - 35% of the total AS marks - 17.5% of the total A level marks

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A2 Examination Summer Yr2

Module 4 Language Investigation Coursework
1 assignment of 1500-3000 words - 15% of the total A level marks

Module 5 Language Variation and Change
1 ½ hour exam - 2 questions - 15% of the total A level marks

Module 6 Language Debates
2 ½ hour exam - 2 questions - 20% of the total A level marks