ENGLISH LANGUAGE
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
GCSE English Language Grade 4 or above.
WHAT IS THE COURSE CONTENT AND HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
IN YEAR 12, STUDENTS WILL LEARN:
• How meaning and representation are conveyed through language in a variety of texts
• How language theories and frameworks can be applied to different texts
• How language changes in different contexts, including spoken and written contexts,
and across different social groups
• How to write in a journalistic style; how to write in a formal, academic style
• How to conduct a language investigation
IN YEAR 13, STUDENTS WILL LEARN:
• How meaning and representation are conveyed through language in a variety of texts
• How language changes over time
• How babies and children acquire both spoken and written language
• How language changes across the globe
• How to write in a journalistic style; how to write in a formal, academic style
The course is assessed by terminal examination (80% of the marks; two 2 ½ hour examinations in year 13)
In Year 2 students will also collect data on a language-related subject, chosen independently, and create
their own language investigation as well as produce a piece of original writing, which together make up the
Non-Examined Assessment, worth 20% of the A Level.
A-Level
Exam Board:
AQA
Contact details:
Head of department Mr D Huws
d.huws@st-nicholas.cheshire.sch.uk
“LANGUAGE SHAPES THE WAY WE THINK, AND DETERMINES
WHAT WE CAN THINK ABOUT.”
BENJAMIN LEE WHORF – 20TH CENTURY LINGUIST
ST NICHOLAS EXTRA:
We arrange trips outside school, for example, to Manchester, to attend Sixth Form Study Days.
The English Department offers theatre trips, as well as the opportunity to hear visiting speakers and take part in speaking competitions like the Rotary’s Club’s “Youth Speaks”.
Students studying A Levels in the English Department are also invited to mentor younger students and help them to develop their reading and writing skills.
