A level English

Other Courses

A level English by distance learning – the course

English A level includes two major components – AS level and A2 level. The AS level is a qualification in its own right and may be studied for on a one-year distance learning course.

Each lesson of the course begins with a set of clearly stated objectives and an explanation of its place in the overall programme of study.

Effective home learning is encouraged through frequent activities and self-assessment questions.

The course includes twelve Tutor-marked Assignments (TMAs), six in the AS course and six in the A2, plus coursework requirements.

Key Topics Covered

The Oxford Open Learning English A level course covers the AQA units of assessment (exam papers) in six modules. The four AQA units are as follows:

The English AS level course

Module 1: Discovering Language

This unit is designed to introduce candidates to the study of the modes of language. It employs the core concepts of audience, purpose, field, genre and mode. Candidates are required to study how language is used in written, spoken and electronic forms.

Module 2: Representation and Language (20%) (coursework)

This coursework unit is designed to develop candidates’ ability to write for specific audiences and purposes and to explore the key ideas of representation and ideology.

English A2 level course

Module 3: Language Explorations (synoptic 30%)

The first A2 unit is designed to introduce candidates to the wider study of language in society. After the AS units which focus on language in its immediate contexts (use-related variation according to subject, purpose, audience, genre and mode), this unit places language in its wider geographical, social and temporal contexts.

Module 4: Language Investigations and Interventions (coursework, 20%)

This unit is designed to develop candidates’ ability to investigate language independently. It enables them to pursue areas of individual interest and to explore methodological issues concerning data collection and analysis.

A level English develops the following abilities:

to communicate clearly
to analyse language (both spoken and written)
to explore different media, dialects, and registers

The Syllabus

Our English A level course prepares candidates for the AQA English Language AS level syllabus 1701 for examinations in 2012 and later years. Candidates may wish to add to this qualification by studying the A2 component (syllabus 2701). The full A level comprises AS and A2. This AQA syllabus has been chosen as it is the most suited to distance learning.

Assessment of the English A level

The English A level course is assessed by 2 examinations and two course work tasks.

Unit 1 — ENGA1 Seeing Through Language ( 60% of AS, 30% of A Level)
2 hour written examination: Language Analysis task and Language Development essay

Unit 2 — ENGA2 Representation and Language (40% of AS, 20% of A Level)
Coursework: One Investigation and one Production task plus commentary (2000-2500 words)

Unit 3 — ENGA3 Language Explorations (30% of A Level)
2 hour 30 minutes written examination

Unit 4 — ENGA4 Language Investigations and Interventions (20% of A Level)
Coursework: One Investigation and one Intervention task (3,000-3,750 words).