EDUQAS (previously WJEC):

A Level English Language is a Linear course

Skills developed by the course encourage you to deepen your interest and enjoyment in the use of English as you:

Ø  develop and apply your understanding of the concepts and methods appropriate for the analysis and study of language

Ø  undertake independent investigative work related to language in use

Ø  engage creatively and independently with a varied programme for the study of English from the past to the present day

Ø  develop your skills as producers and interpreters of language

Component 1 Language Concepts and Issues

Written examination: 2 ¼ hours (120 marks)

30% of qualification

This component encourages students to engage with language use in different situations. It gives them the opportunity to apply their critical skills and their language knowledge.

Section A       Analysis of spoken language

Section A is based on the study of spoken language and covers a range of situations and genres. It is designed to introduce students to the ways in which speakers use language and interact.

Section B       Language issues

Section B is based on the study of four language topic areas: Standard and Non-Standard English; language and power; language and situation; and language acquisition. It is designed to introduce students to how language affects all aspects of our lives.

Component 2 Language Change Over Time

Written examination: 2 ¼ hours (120 marks)

30% of qualification

This component encourages students to engage with language across time. It gives them the opportunity to apply their analytical skills and their knowledge of language change.

Section A     Language Change Over Time

Section A is based on the study of unseen written texts from different periods, linked by genre. It is designed to introduce students to orthography, etymology, lexical and grammatical changes in context.

Section B      English in the twenty-first century

Section B is based on the study of the ways in which language is used distinctively in the twenty-first century. It is designed to introduce students to how language is evolving to reflect technological and cultural change.

Component 3 Creative and Critical Use of Language

Written examination: 1¾ hours (80 marks)    20% of qualification

Creative Writing

This component presents students with stimulus texts which may be literary or non-literary. It is designed to engage students in the creative process, giving them the opportunity to demonstrate their expertise. Students will be required to produce original writing in any genre.

Commentary

Students are required to write a commentary on one of the two texts they have produced.

Component 4 Language and Identity

Non-exam assessment: 2500-3500 word folder (80 marks), 20% of qualification

Component 4 Language and Identity

2500-3500 word language investigation based on the study

and research of a topic related to language and identity.

Students are required to choose a topic from the following list:

language and self-representation; language and gender;

language and culture; or language diversity.

1.    Creative writing workshop

2.    Emagazine Language Conference

3.    British Library exhibition workshops

4.    Sounds Familiar and Exploring texts workshops at British Library

5.    Primary school data collection visit for Child Language Acquisition

Students are assessed in school using exam questions, knowledge and understanding tests language levels, group research and presentation activities as well as regular homework tasks.

Students sit 3 exams at the end of Year 13 and submit one component of coursework.