A Level in English Language

Grammar – understanding word classes (types of nouns or verbs, complex or simple sentences) as well as the importance of syntax (word placement within a sentence).

Mode – exploring the difference between written and spoken English. How does language change when we are in conversation in comparison to when we are writing essays. What about social media where language is written as we speak?

Child Language Acquisition – how we learn to speak and write. We consider the theory behind this as well as considering how and why children make certain errors as they develop.

Language Change – reflects on key historical changes that influence language. Texts in the exam can be from 1500 onwards, but we will go back to 1066 see how the French invasions influence English, the impact of the printing press in 1486 and the way spelling was developed and standardised by dictionaries.

Gender – this topic ultimately forms an investigation based on a particular subject as set by the exam board – previous topics include: children’s advertising, women’s personal information, superhero comics and crime fiction. We explore stereotypes, theory and how language is used to represent and challenge.

Coursework (Non-Exam Assessment) – two original writing pieces on a topic of their piece, followed by a commentary in which you analyse your own work to explore how, and you created it.