English Language Edexcel A Level at Littleover Community School
Course description
- A passion for thinking, reading and exploring a wide range of texts.
- Discussion of ideas and writing.
- Creativity and enthusiasm. A good general knowledge.
- A genuine interest in English Language, including the way in which meaning is created.
- A genuine interest in reading non-fiction and literature.
- The ability to analyse texts.
- The ability to articulate ideas and opinions clearly.
- The ability to write clear, fluent and focused essays.
Course content
Paper 1:
Language Variation:
- Section A builds on the knowledge and skills gained at AS level.
- Section B explores how language has changed over time. Students will develop their understanding of the factors contributing to the ways the English language has changed, including cultural, technological and political influences, as well as standardisation, borrowing and archaisms.
Paper 2:
Child Language:
- This unit covers the same content as the AS, but without the creative response. Creative writing is assessed via coursework at A level.
Paper 3:
Investigating Language:
- This unit allows students to develop their research and investigation skills into any of the following language topics: Global English; Language and Gender Identity; Language and Journalism; Language and Power; and Regional Language Variation. A subtopic will be pre-released in January for each of the five topic areas and should steer students' research.
Coursework:
- Students produce two pieces of coursework: firstly, two pieces of original writing in one particular genre, such as feature articles, journalist interviews or short stories; secondly, a commentary reflecting on the writing process.
Entry requirements
Littleover Community School Sixth Form specialises in AS and A2 Level Courses - we do not offer any alternative/vocational courses. Regardless of which 'wave' of the ongoing A Level reforms each subject is in, we will expect all students to sit AS examinations at the end of Year 12 and A2 examinations at the end of Year 13.
We therefore expect all students to enrol to study 4 AS Levels in Year 12. Most students will then drop one subject at the end of Year 12 having completed the AS Level qualification, continuing with the other 3 to A2 level.
The minimum entry criteria for Littleover Community School Sixth Form is 5 A*-C/9-5 grades at GCSE including Maths and English Language. Students who achieve a grade 4 in Maths or English Language will be considered on an individual basis. However, the vast majority of our students will achieve 8 or more A*-C/9-5 grades with A*-8/9-6 in the subjects they wish to study at A Level. If students plan to study subjects that they have not studied at GCSE level we will expect A*-B/9-6 in subjects that have a similar skills set.
Assessment
Paper 1:
- Written examination (2 hours 15 minutes)
- 35% of A Level Marks
Paper 2:
- Written examination (1 hour)
- 20% of A Level Marks
Paper 3:
- Pre-Release assessment (1 hour 45 minutes)
- 25% of A Level Marks
Paper 4:
- Coursework (2,500 - 3,000 words)
- 20% of A Level Marks
Future opportunities
An A Level in English Language opens a wealth of opportunities.
- It provides an excellent foundation for further training in careers such as journalism, marketing, public relations, publishing, the Media, the government and many other areas.
- It also provides excellent preparation for Higher Education in the Humanities, Arts, Languages, Social Sciences, Law and Journalism.
How to apply
If you want to apply for this course, you will need to contact Littleover Community School directly.