The programme is split into two major components - AS and A2. The AS Level is often taken at the end of the first year, and the A2 at the end of the second year. There are twelve tutor-marked assignments (known as TMAs).
The A Level covers the following:
AS Level
• Discovering language
• Using language
A2 Level
• Language investigation
• Language variation and change
• Language debates.
Assessment is by six written papers (three for AS and three for A2).
A Level is the foundation upon which higher education and successful careers are built, our tutor supported open distance learning A Level English course provides the necessary knowledge, skills and qualification without disrupting your current lifestyle.
The DCA Home Learning English A Level course provides the core knowledge and skills needed to embark on a rewarding pathway to success. The distance learning English A Level course is specially designed, allowing you to learn about English at AS and A2 level, through flexible and cost-effective home study at your own time and pace.
With the distance learning English A Level course, online study resources and a personal tutor are available to guide you throughout your studies, and your Student Advisor is a Freephone call away.
Entry Requirements: Because the distance learning English A Level course is comprehensive, some prior knowledge or skills are required. In general, DCA will admit students for A Level who have a minimum of 4 GCSEs at grade C and above. These would ideally include English and Maths.
The DCA English A Level course provides an award from the AQA, a nationally recognised body. The A Level award is recognised by employers and higher education providers as proof of your ability and determination to succeed. Many people pass A Levels through home study.
If you'd like to advance your knowledge or to earn more money from a career where A Level English is an essential qualification, and to enjoy increased status and security, the DCA home study A Level English course is the ideal distance learning home study course for you
The first part of the English A level gives you an introduction to the English language and its use. You will then look at different styles of writing and language used in popular media. The second part of the course will cover varieties of language including dialects, accents and the language of ethnic groups. As well as this, you will study the behaviour of language and how it is developing under various influences.
Each A Level is split into two halves – the AS Level and the A2 Level. Whilst both halves cover approximately the same amount of material, the conceptually harder elements will nearly always be found in the A2. Generally, each half of the A Level will be split into three units. Each unit matches a corresponding exam.
Examinations
Examinations are normally in June, although you may be able to arrange to sit some part of the A Level in January.
Examination Entry Information
DCA will provide whatever help we can with examination information, finding an exam centre and authenticating coursework but entering examinations is entirely the responsibility of the student and the contract for sitting the examinations is between the student and the exam centre. We are not an exam centre and therefore although we can give information and guidance, we cannot make your entry for you, or change an incorrect entry. Full details about exams can be obtained on application. Students will sit external examinations and receive a certificate from the awarding body AQA
Textbooks
In addition to the recommended text, each programme has a suggested reading list to help you achieve a broader understanding of the subject. Some subjects also require an accompanying textbook which you will need to obtain.
Part One: AS Course
Module One: Textual Commentary
• The Nature and History of English
• Influences at Work on a Language
• An Introduction to Grammar
• The Practical Applications of Grammar
• The Language of Literature
• Practical Examples for Analysis - Written
• An Introduction to the Spoken Language
• English Pronunciation
• Practical Examples for Analysis - Spoken
Module Two: Desk Study
• Styles of Writing
• Possible Questions
• Twelve A Sample Question in Detail
Module Three: The Language of the Media
• The Language of Newspapers
• The Language of Advertising
• The Language of Television and Radio
Part 2: A2 Course
Module Four: Varieties of English
• The Acquisition of Language
• Style in Speech
• Dialect and Accent
• Class Dialects
• Language and Occasion
• Contemporary English
• The Language of Ethnic Groups
Module Five: Spoken or Written Commentary
• The Spoken Word
• Spoken English: Some Practice Questions
• The Written Word
• Written English: Some Practice Questions
Module Six: Editorial and Language Topics
• Editorial
• The Ideas of Sociolinguistics
• Language Change
• Influences on the Language
• Shakespeare and the Renaissance
• Later Developments
• Trends in the Behaviour of Words
• Trends in the Behaviour of Words (2)
• Grammar: Further Investigations
• Common Errors and Difficulties |
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