Course Summary
A well respected qualification for employers and universities, this is an ideal course for those who enjoy language issues and want to look at them in an objective and critical manner. It is ideal too for those wanting to learn the skills needed to write brilliantly in a discursive and academic way. 20% of the final mark is based upon coursework and the teachers at Driffield are highly skilled at supporting students in their own choice of topic for this coursework. Delivers skills to help you succeed in your other A Levels.
Course Details
In Year 12 you will analyse and investigate language, both spoken and written, from everyday sources and in many different contexts. You will learn to analyse how language creates meaning and representations, how it is affected by social group, region, occupation and gender and will develop your skills in writing in both an academic and discursive way. In Year 13 these skills are further developed with the addition of language and ethnicity. In addition you will learn about the acquisition of language in young children and how this develops in the early years. Alongside this, you will study the whole historical process of the way the English language has changed and consider the current use and how it might develop in the future. Non examination assessment (coursework) also forms 20% of A Level. This comprises of a language investigation in an area of your own choice as well as a piece of original writing accompanied by a reflective commentary.
How will it be delivered and assessed?
You will develop your knowledge and understanding through a combination of theory based sessions in the classroom and independent project research.
Assessment:
A Level Paper: Language, Diversity and Change. This is a 2h 30 min exam and develops from the demands of AS by incorporating language and ethnicity into the possible areas of diversity. 2 questions on Language Change / Language in the World will also be on this paper, one of which will be a piece of directed writing, eg an opinion article. A2 NEA: This is an internally assessed 3500 word folder comprising of three pieces of writing.
Entry requirements
To study A Level courses you'll need: 5 GCSEs at 9-5 plus Grade 5 in all subjects you wish to study at A Level.
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