POST-16 PROSPECTUS UPDATE SEP 11.cdr

ENGLISH LANGUAGE
Curriculum Leader: Mrs R Stokes
Students will follow AQA GCE English Language Specification B in 4 units across the two years of Sixth Form
study.
Year 12 – AS
Unit 1: Categorising Texts ENGB1
In this first unit, which bridges the gap between GCSE and A Level study, students are introduced to the principles
of Linguistics, which are not taught explicitly in years 7-11. They also learn about the analytical frameworks used
in English Language study, applying them to both written and spoken language. This aspect of the unit is
assessed by examination questions, which focus on students' ability to group, compare and closely analyse
different types of written and spoken texts.
The unit also focuses students' learning on how spoken and written language actually functions in the real world.
Two topics are studied in Year 12: Language and Gender; Language and Power.
60% AS / 30% A2
Unit 2: Creating Texts ENGB2
This unit is assessed by coursework. Students study stylistics including the work of a range of writers and
different text types, and then produce two written pieces. These must be different types, for entirely separate
purposes and audiences. Types of writing are drawn from a wide range of genres, with many students choosing
to emulate ones which might be produced by a freelance professional writer. Students also have to produce
'commentaries' which explain and justify their stylistic choices as writers. A flair for writing and being widely read
in a wide range of fiction and non-fiction genres is essential.
40%AS / 20% A2
Summary of Assessment:
Unit 1 assessed by examination; Unit 2 assessed by coursework.
Year 13 – A2
Unit 3: Developing Language ENGB3
Two topics are studied in this unit. Language Change over time starts with the language of the prehistoric Britons
and tracks the development of English right up to the ever changing language of the present day and the varied
factors that influence and cause change.
Language Acquisition teaches students about the development of children's speaking, reading and writing. As
with previous units, both written and spoken language are covered and the examination requires students to
apply their knowledge and skills to the analysis of a pack of data and texts relating to each of the two topics.
30% A2
Unit 4: Investigating Language ENGB4
Also assessed by coursework, this unit gives students the exciting opportunity to undertake their own Linguistic
Investigation. They begin by identifying a question they have about language, an observation they have made,
or an area of interest they have developed. After background research has been done, students design their
own investigation, collect and analyse data, draw conclusions using their linguistic knowledge and finally publish
their findings.
20% A2
Summary of Assessment:
Unit 3 assessed by examination; Unit 4 assessed by coursework.
Additional Information:
English Language encourages students to develop their interests in and enjoyment of English, through learning
about its structures, functions, variations and development. It allows students to develop their ability to express
themselves in speech and writing with increasing competence and sophistication. They encounter a varied
range of reading and examples of spoken language and develop their skills in critical thinking and linguistic
analysis.
OPPORTUNITY AND ACHIEVEMENT FOR ALL
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