91ߣÄÐÊÓƵ

We have strong links with Manchester Metropolitan University and take part in an annual story-writing competition, as well as supporting students in a range of writing competitions locally and nationally. Students also have the opportunity to join the Linguistics Club – a programme for gifted and talented students interested in the further study of linguistics at university.

English Language is useful for a wide range of educational courses and careers. It is a good preparation for any course with a linguistic element and for careers in which knowledge of, and a sensitivity to, language will be required. Students who have studied A level English have gone into careers such as journalism, teaching and social work, to name a few.

Language, the Individual and Society – Exam Paper – 40% of marks

Language Diversity and Change – Exam Paper – 40% of marks

Investigation and Original Writing – Coursework – 20% of marks

Summary

Language, the Individual and Society
Section A – Textual variations and representations
Two texts (one contemporary and one older text) linked by topic or theme. These can be almost any genre or style.
• A question requiring analysis of one text (25 marks)
• A question requiring analysis of a second text (25 marks)
• A question requiring comparison of the two texts (20 marks)

Section B – Children’s language development
A discursive essay on children’s language development, with a choice of two questions where the data provided will focus on spoken, written or multimodal language (30 marks).

Language Diversity and Change 
Section A: One question from a choice of two, either:
• An evaluative essay on language diversity.
• An evaluative essay on language change.

Section B – Language discourses
Two texts about a topic linked to the study of diversity and change.
• A question requiring analysis of how the texts use language to present ideas, attitudes and opinions.
• A directed writing task linked to the same topic and the ideas in the texts.

Coursework assessment 
Students produce:
• A language investigation (2,000 words excluding data).
• A piece of original writing and commentary (1,500 words total)

We recommend that students joining us in September read the book Mother Tongue, by Bill Bryson, for a great overview of the subject and an introduction to linguistics.