“I initially struggled deciding between a grammar school sixth form and Birkenhead Sixth Form Collge and I am happy with my decision. The College has improved my self-motivation due to its ethos of independence and this is great preparation for university. I am more confident socially and I love the comfortable yet demanding lessons. The College has 'ticked all of the boxes' for me!”
Gillian Davies

English Language

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Entry Requirements

Normal BSFC entry requirements for an AS programme of study including a Grade C or above in GCSE English Language. 

About the Subject

English Language is partly about developing your own written English skills and partly about studying how other people use language. You'll have the opportunity to write a variety of texts, including for example newspaper and magazine articles, leaflets and radio or television scripts. You'll also learn to dissect texts produced by others, in order to understand how they work (everything from advertisements to personal diaries). The study of spoken language is another important element in the course: you'll look at many different kinds of spoken communication, from everyday conversation to formal public speeches. Along the way you'll explore and discuss language issues such as differences in how men and women use language, why and how language changes, and attitudes to regional accents.

The course available in college is AS/A Level: English Language (WJEC)

AS Year

Assessment
Unit		 Name Type of
Assessment		 Date of
Exam		 Weighting
in AS		 Weighting
in A2
Unit 1 Introduction
To The
Language Of
Texts		 Written exam
(2hrs 30mins)		 May 60% 30%
Unit 2 Original
Writing and
Exploring
Spoken
Language		 Coursework Oct-Feb 40% 20%

A2 Year

Assessment
Unit		 Name Type of
Assessment		 Date of
Exam		 Weighting
in A2
Unit 3 Language
Investigation and
Writing For
Specific
Purposes		 Coursework Oct-Feb (2nd  year) 20%
Unit 4 Analysing 
Language Modes
and Contexts		 Written exam
(2hrs 30mins)		 June (2nd  year) 30%

General Information

Introduction To The Language Of Texts (AS)

In the first section of the AS written exam you analyse the way language is used in two or more texts, which might be written texts or examples of spoken English. The second section of the exam is another analytical task, though here you are asked to focus on one specific aspect of the text or texts provided.

Original Writing and Exploring Spoken Language (AS)

The AS coursework unit is in two parts. You complete a piece of original writing and analyse an example of spoken language (such assignments you complete your own choice of task,
agreed in advance with your teacher).

Language Investigation and Writing For Specific Purposes (A2)

In the first section of the A2 coursework unit you investigate an area of language that is of interest to you. For the second section you study a genre (such as travel writing or sports reporting) and produce a piece of original writing as an example of the genre. As at AS, students agree individual assignments with their teacher.

Analysing Language Modes and Contexts (A2)

For the final A2 written exam you answer two questions: one on spoken language, and one on how written English has changed over time. 

What Next?

Many of our students go on to study English courses at university. English Language is also relevant to a number of other university courses, such as Media Studies, Communication Studies and Languages. If you're interested in a career in public relations, teaching, journalism, the media, publishing or law, you will find English Language gives you an insight into the skills required in these fields.