New GCE English Language B – launch video



Transcript

The English Language that surrounds us affects every aspect of our lives. It doesn't take us long to realise how profound language really is. It enables us to express ourselves and helps us understand the world we live in.

Building on the strengths of the previous specification, the new specification recognises the special place of coursework. The new spec will follow a data based approach to language study and will provide teachers and students with opportunities to explore language use in different contexts. We want the new spec to look familiar but to give teachers and students more time to enjoy language study.

what's the specification like?

At AS we want students to get fired-up about learning as they develop objective ways of exploring and understanding language. Students will learn how purpose, audience and context affect the way language is produced and received. As teachers, you'll have the freedom to choose a variety of language extracts from everyday sources that will engage your students and get them excited about studying language.

Following a text based approach, Unit 1 will focus on three specific social contexts:

  • language and power
  • language and gender
  • language and technology

Students will carry out a grouping task and answer an essay question on one of the above topics.

Unit 2 is a coursework unit in which students develop their language skills by writing in different genres for different audiences and purposes. Students will reflect and comment on their own writing in order to develop as conscious writers who understand and can account for the language choices they make.

A2 will continue to follow a data based approach. In Unit 3 students will study child language acquisition and language change and in the exam they'll answer one question on each topic.

In the Unit 4 coursework students will carry out a language investigation of their choice. We've designed this unit to enable candidates to benefit from independent study, devising methodology, collecting data and analysing and evaluating their own findings.

AQA – enabling you to make informed decisions

Specification B will equip students to explore language independently and will open up a rich and diverse subject for study. We want students who study English Language to be empowered to use language creatively in their own lives, to see beneath the surface and understand how language is shaped and manipulated by key factors. By understanding how language works we believe students will be better placed to think more freely and develop and express their opinions more effectively.

For more information come along to a free teacher support meeting





Key documents


Launch Meetings

Further information

Quick links

External links