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International A Level English Language IAS / IAL

Pearson Edexcel – Qualification Codes: WEN01/ WEN02 (IAS), WEN03/ WEN04 (IAL)

Why Study This Course?

The Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level in English Language provides students with an opportunity to develop an in-depth understanding of language analysis, linguistic diversity, and creative writing. It fosters critical thinking, analytical skills, and communication proficiency, preparing students for higher education and a wide range of careers.

This course is ideal for students who:

  • Are interested in how language is used in different contexts, cultures, and time periods.
  • Enjoy exploring the evolution of language, writing creatively, and investigating language usage.
  • Want to develop skills in linguistic analysis, independent research, and effective communication.
  • Are considering university degrees in English, Linguistics, Journalism, Media Studies, Education, Law, or Creative Writing
  • Wish to gain a globally recognised qualification that enhances university applications and career prospects.

Who is This Course For?

This course is suitable for students who:

  • Have a passion for language and its impact on communication and identity.
  • Enjoy analysing speech, writing, and digital communication.
  • Want to explore language variation, cultural influences, and the role of English in global contexts.
  • Wish to develop transferable skills useful in academic writing, media, publishing, and law.

This course fosters linguistic awareness, analytical thinking, and advanced writing skills, essential for higher education and professional careers.

1. Critical Thinking and Text Analysis

  • Evaluating spoken, written, and digital texts.
  • Understanding language variation, dialects, and registers.
  • Applying linguistic frameworks and terminology to real-world communication.

2. Research and Independent Investigation

  • Conducting original linguistic research and data collection.
  • Exploring language diversity, social linguistics, and historical evolution.
  • Analysing speech patterns, media texts, and cultural influences.

3. Advanced Writing and Creative Composition

  • Crafting engaging and purposeful written pieces.
  • Experimenting with different genres, styles, and tones.
  • Producing commentaries and critical essays on language use.

The course assesses students based on the following objectives:

Objective Description Weighting
AO1 Apply appropriate methods of language analysis and use linguistic terminology 20%
AO2 Demonstrate critical understanding of language use and variation23.8%
AO3 Analyse and evaluate how contextual factors affect meaning23.8%
AO4 Explore connections across texts using linguistic concepts and methods 15%
AO5 Demonstrate expertise and creativity in communication 17.5%

Course Structure

The qualification consists of four externally assessed written papers, divided into two levels:

International Advanced Subsidiary (IAS) – Equivalent to AS Level

Unit 1: Language: Context and Identity (IAS – 25%)

Exam Duration

1 hour 45 minutes

Assessment Format

External written examination

Skills Assessed

  • Understanding how language constructs identity.
  • Analysing spoken and written texts from different sources.
  • Evaluating context, audience, and purpose in language use.

Topics Covered

  • Language and Identity – How language shapes and reflects identity.
  • Contextual Influences – How language changes based on audience and setting.
  • Text Production – Writing for different genres and audiences.

Unit 2: Language in Transition (IAS – 25%)

Exam Duration

1 hour 45 minutes

Assessment Format

External written examination

Skills Assessed

  • Understanding language change and global variations.
  • Analysing how English has evolved and adapted over time.
  • Evaluating influences from other languages and digital communication.

Topics Covered

  • Language Change Over Time – Influence of history, society, and technology.
  • Global English – The spread of English worldwide and its regional adaptations.
  • Pidgins, Creoles, and Bilingualism – Language contact and evolution.

International Advanced Level (IAL) – Full A-Level

Unit 3: Crafting Language (Writing) (IA2 – 25%)

Exam Duration

2 hours

Assessment Format

External written examination

Skills Assessed

  • Writing creative and professional texts in different genres
  • Evaluating stylistic choices and language techniques.
  • Producing a commentary reflecting on creative decisions.

Topics Covered

  • Creative Writing – Writing fiction, speeches, articles, or reviews.
  • Text Adaptation – Rewriting texts for different audiences and purposes.
  • Self-Reflection – Justifying language choices and stylistic techniques.

Unit 4: Investigating Language (IA2 – 25%)

Exam Duration

2 hours

Assessment Format

External written examination

Skills Assessed

  • Conducting independent linguistic research.
  • Applying theoretical knowledge to real-world language use.
  • Evaluating language in different contexts (power, technology, children’s speech, or global English).

Topics Covered

Students choose one area of study:

  • Language and Power – How language reinforces authority and control.
  • Language and Technology – The impact of social media, AI, and digital communication.
  • Children’s Language Development – How language acquisition evolves in early childhood.
  • Global English – The use of English in different cultures and its changing role worldwide.