English Language 

Details of the Examination Specification

English Language Pearson Edexcel (9EN0)

What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course? 

Requirements: GCSE Language B grade and above. 

Basic understanding of the theory of English Grammar. 

What will I learn on this A Level course? 

Students will:

• explore new concepts and methods appropriate for language study and analysis

• engage creatively and critically with a variety of data from articles to adverts to spoken language

• discover how a child acquires language

• explore the history of language including regional variations

• develop their skills as producers and interpreters

Students are also expected to explore data and independently investigate language.   They will be taught linguistic terminology, theories and concepts.  The course comprises of the origins and development of the English Language, Language Change or Language Variation, Child Language Acquisition and Sociolinguistics.   This course is not solely based on Creative Writing, although there is a creative writing component (Component 4), accompanied by linguistic analysis.  

What kind of student is this course suitable for? 

Particularly suitable for those with an interest in English Language but do not wish to study Literature.  It helps to have an enquiring mind, willing to think openly about issues such as gender and power and a willingness to examine language use in various contexts.   This is a facilitating subject, suitable as preparation for a wide range of university courses, such as:

·         Academic Research 

·         Administration

·         Civil Service

·         Creative Writing

·         Diplomat

·         Education - Teaching/Lecturing

·         Event Management

·         Journalism

·         Law

·         Linguistics

·         Management

·         Media /Media Studies

·         Politics

·         Translation/Interpretation

What examinations will I have to take to get my qualification? 

The full A Level is a two year course 

The full A Level is a two-year course, with the following components 

·         Component 1: Language Variation: individual variation; variation over time (35%)

·         Component 2: Child Language: study of child language acquisition (20%)

·         Component 3: Language Investigation: developing investigation techniques based on pre-release material (25%)

·         Coursework: Crafting Language: producing 2 pieces of original writing  and a commentary (20%) 

Coursework / Specific arrangements /Other requirements 

There is only one coursework component for the full A Level.