KS5 English Language

The A Level English Language curriculum in the UK is designed for students typically aged 16 to 18, in their final two years of secondary education. This course builds on the skills developed at the GCSE level, with a greater emphasis on linguistic theory, analysis, and application. Here is an overview of the main components of the A Level English Language curriculum:

Core Components

1. Language Analysis:
   • Textual Variations and Representations: Analysis of how language varies in different texts and how it represents ideas, individuals, events, and cultures.
   • Language Levels: Detailed study of phonetics, phonology, and prosody; morphology; lexis and semantics; grammar; pragmatics; and discourse.
2. Children’s Language Development:
   • Acquisition and Development: Study of how children acquire language, covering stages of development, theories of acquisition, and key studies in the field.
   • Spoken and Written Language Development: Analysis of how children learn to speak and write, examining linguistic features and contextual factors.
3. Language Diversity and Change:
   • Language Diversity: Exploration of sociolects, dialects, idiolects, and world Englishes. Study of language related to gender, occupation, and ethnicity.
   • Language Change: Examination of historical and contemporary changes in the English language, including the reasons for and effects of these changes.
4. Language in Action:
   • Language Investigation: Independent research project where students investigate an aspect of language use, collecting data and analysing it using appropriate linguistic methods.
   • Original Writing: Creation of a piece of original writing (such as a short story, article, or speech) with a reflective commentary explaining linguistic choices.

Skills Development

• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyse language data critically and systematically, identifying patterns and drawing informed conclusions.
• Theoretical Knowledge: Understanding of key linguistic theories and concepts, and the ability to apply these to various language contexts.
• Research Skills: Development of research methodologies, including data collection, analysis, and presentation.
• Writing Skills: Ability to produce clear, coherent, and insightful written work, both analytical and creative.
• Critical Thinking: Evaluation of linguistic arguments and perspectives, considering evidence and different viewpoints.

Assessment

• Examinations: Typically, the A Level assessment includes several written exams covering:
  • Paper 1: Language, the Individual and Society: Focuses on textual analysis, language diversity, and children’s language development.
  • Paper 2: Language Diversity and Change: Includes essay questions on language change, diversity, and analysis of how language is used in different contexts.
• Coursework: Non-exam assessment (NEA) component, usually consisting of:
  • Language Investigation: Independent research project.
  • Original Writing: Piece of creative writing with a reflective commentary.

Key Themes and Topics

• Identity and Representation: How language constructs and represents identities.
• Power and Gender: Exploration of how language relates to power dynamics and gender.
• Technology and Language: Impact of digital communication on language use and development.
• Historical Language Change: Study of how and why the English language has evolved over time.

Additional Components

• Cross-Curricular Links: Integration with subjects like sociology, psychology, and history to deepen understanding of linguistic contexts.
• ICT Skills: Use of digital tools for research and presentation, enhancing digital literacy alongside linguistic study.

Career and Further Education Opportunities

• Higher Education: Preparation for degrees in English Language, Linguistics, Communication Studies, and related fields.
• Career Pathways: Skills developed in A Level English Language are valuable in careers such as journalism, teaching, publishing, marketing, and public relations.

This curriculum aims to provide students with a deep understanding of the complexities of the English language, enhancing their analytical, creative, and critical skills and preparing them for further academic study and diverse career opportunities.