Awarding Body : AQA – Specification B.

Entry Requirements : Grade C  or above in GCSE English and English Literature (Higher Tier)

Course Content :

AS

Unit 1 : Categorising Texts (30%)

Students are introduced to linguistic frameworks for exploring and understanding spoken and written language in use. They study a wide variety of texts taken from everyday sources, investigating how each text’s language is suited to its purpose, audience and context.  They explore ways of categorising texts according to the kinds of language they contain.

In addition the following topics will be studied :

• Language & Gender
• Language & Power
• Language & Technology

Written Exam.

Unit 2 : Creating Texts  - Coursework (20%)

Students develop their own writing skills, producing two pieces of writing in different genres, for different audiences and purposes.  Each piece is accompanied by a commentary in which the student reflects on the writing process and his or her language choices.

A2

Unit 3 : Developing Language (30%)

This unit builds on the knowledge and skills developed in AS studies as well as having an additional focus on two new areas of language study.  Students study concepts and theories about :

• How children acquire English
• The growth of, and changes in, the English Language over time.

Written Exam.

Unit 4 : Investigating Language – Coursework (20%)

Students apply their knowledge of linguistic methods and concepts to a small research project on a language topic of their own choice.  They produce two separate pieces of writing, a report on their research and an informative media text about the same topic.

Assessment :

1 module in each year is assessed by written exam 30%

1 module in each year is assessed by coursework 20%

Progression :

Degree courses in English studies, journalism, linguistics, education, communication, media, law. A useful qualification for all courses which develops analytical skills and provides evidence of the ability to use language successfully.