WJEC Eduqas GCE AS in English Language Description

Course Overview:
The WJEC Eduqas AS in English Language is a dynamic and engaging qualification that introduces learners to the concepts, methods, and practices of language analysis. It encourages creativity and critical thinking while offering students the opportunity to apply their understanding of English in a variety of contexts.

The course is designed to develop both the analytical and practical skills of students, enabling them to explore how language functions in spoken, written, and multimodal forms. Students will learn how to interpret and analyze language data, focusing on elements such as phonetics, semantics, grammar, and pragmatics.

Course Components:

1. Component 1: Analysis of Texts in Context (50% of qualification)

   • Written Examination (2 hours)
     This component includes two sections:

   • Section A: Spoken Language of the Media
     Students will examine transcriptions of spoken language, focusing on the language used in media contexts and its effects.

   • Section B: Written Language
     Students analyze written texts, applying knowledge of language levels, and evaluate how context shapes the meaning of the texts.

2. Component 2: Using Language (50% of qualification)

   • Written Examination (2 hours)
     This component is divided into two sections:

   • Section A: Investigating Data
     Students work with a corpus of data, exploring linguistic patterns and connections across various texts.

   • Section B: Critical and Creative Writing
     This section requires students to produce original writing in response to a stimulus, with a focus on creativity, audience, form, and purpose.

Assessment Objectives:

• AO1: Apply appropriate methods of language analysis and demonstrate coherent written expression.

• AO2: Demonstrate critical understanding of concepts and issues relevant to language use.

• AO3: Analyze and evaluate how contextual factors and language features contribute to meaning.

• AO4: Explore connections across texts using linguistic concepts and methods.

• AO5: Demonstrate expertise and creativity in the use of English to communicate in different ways.

Key Areas of Study:

• Phonetics, Phonology, and Prosodics: Study of speech sounds and effects.

• Lexis and Semantics: Understanding vocabulary, including historical and social variations.

• Grammar and Morphology: Analyzing sentence structures and the shapes of words.

• Pragmatics: Investigating the contextual use of language.

• Discourse: Understanding extended communication, including written and spoken genres.

Mathematical and Analytical Skills:

• Throughout the course, students will enhance their mathematical and analytical abilities, applying these skills to the study of data and texts. This includes analyzing data sets, interpreting language patterns, and exploring linguistic structures across different genres.

Progression:
This qualification provides a solid foundation for further study in English, linguistics, and related fields at A-Level or university. It also equips students with critical language skills applicable in various careers, including media, education, communications, and publishing.