Section 1 – Methods of language analysis
- The language of every day
- Putting language in its place
- The science of language study
- Meanings and representations
- Structure and style
Section 2 – Spoken English
- Your linguistic fingerprint
- The language of speech and the language of writing
- Planned speech
- Permission to speak
- Broadcast talk
Section 3 – Language and power
- Where power lies
- Influential power in language
- Instrumental power in language
- Linguistic power at work
- Language which embraces, language which conceals
Section 4 – Identity and non-standard English
- What is a dialect?
- Dialect and region
- Dialect and identity
- Attitudes to dialect
- Language development and the role of technology
Section 5 – Language and gender
- A woman’s place
- Difference
- Dominance versus difference
- Gender and particular identities
- Man-made language
Section 6 – Original writing (NEA)
- The frameworks of fiction
- Different voices
- Writing non-fiction
- News values
- Planning, drafting and commenting
Section 7 – Early child language acquisition
- The foundations of child language acquisition
- Language and learning
- The earliest years
- Towards communicate competence
- Looking outwards
Section 8 – Reading and writing
- Literacy in the curriculum
- Pre-literacy
- Learning to read
- Learning to write
- Understanding genre
Section 9 – Language change
- The past is another country
- New words
- New meanings
- Attitudes to change and diversity
- Englishes
Section 10 – The language investigation (NEA)
- Choosing your focus
- Launching your investigation
- Organising your data
- Making sense of your data
- Concluding and reflecting on your investigation
You will be required to complete the two standard A-Level written exams. These comprise of two, 2 hour and 30-minute exams and each exam counts for 40% of the final mark. During your course, you will also be required complete eleven assignments which don’t count towards your final grade. There is one coursework task which is 20% of marks.
Official exams
- 2 hours 30 minutes, 40% of marks
- 2 hours 30 minutes, 40% of marks
- 1 coursework task, 20% of marks (see NEA below)
We provide a guaranteed exam space in one of our exam centres around the Country, to take away the hassle of needing to find your own. Check where your closest exam centre is.
Assignments
During your course, you will also be required complete 11 assignments. These do not contribute towards your final grade but provide you with an opportunity to submit work to your tutor for marking and feedback. This will help you to gauge your progress as you work through the course.
NEA
Part of the A-level assessment for the new specification is a non-exam assessment (NEA). To facilitate this, it has been agreed with the awarding body that our own tutors are able to mark your non-exam assessment work, and you can then sit your written exams at one of our partner exam centres.
Upon successful completion of this home learning course, you will receive an A-Level in English Language, issued by AQA (7702) This syllabus has been chosen specifically because it is the best suited to distance learning. Your certificate is identical to that issued to students at any other school, college or university.
A level course takes about 250-300 hours plus extra time for assignment work you submit to your tutor. You will benefit from our personal tutor support for a period of up to 24 months from the date of enrolment. If you need longer, this, of course, can be arranged.
Our course is delivered via our online learning platform as this provides learners with a dynamic and engaging experience. Don’t worry, if you prefer, you can print the learning materials yourself. The learning resources are in a range of different media including videos, e-books, and online quizzes.
Is this the same qualification as an A-Level from a traditional School or College?
Yes! You study the same curriculum, take the same examinations and get the same qualification. The only difference is that the course is specially designed to be studied from home in your own time.
Tell me about my Tutor Support?
You will have access to your personal tutor, via email, who will mark your assignments and guide you through the course to help you get ready for your examinations. In addition, you will be supplied with a comprehensive Study Guide which will help you through the study and assessment process. Assignments are marked by your personal tutor within 3 days. Your personal tutor will be highly experienced in their subject area and qualified to teach.
What is included in the cost of my course?
We provide all of the written learning materials you require to study this course. The course fee also includes personal tutor support and assignment marking.
Are there any additional costs?
You will be required to pay independently for your final examinations. Costs vary between test centres.
Is there a required reading list?
This course is self-contained so no additional textbooks are required.
Where can I sit my exams?
We are able to offer places at our exam centres across the UK for our students, therefore, guaranteeing an exam venue. If you choose to find your own exam centre, you can, you will need to register with them as an external or private candidate. Fees vary across the country so we recommend enquiring prior to enrolment.
What if I live outside the UK?
That’s the beauty of distance learning; you are able to study this course anywhere and there are some international test centres but we strongly recommend you take the examinations within the UK as this is the only guaranteed way to ensure access to an examination centre.
What do I do if I still have questions?
Please check our FAQs section or Contact Us, we are happy to answer any more questions you may have.
