Zimbabwe Lower 6 Curriculum - English Language

This curriculum outline is based on the Cambridge International AS & A Level English Language (9093) syllabus, which is followed by some schools in Zimbabwe.

Overview

The syllabus aims to develop learners' abilities to critically and informatively respond to a variety of texts and produce effective writing for different audiences and purposes. It emphasizes reading, writing, analysis, and research skills, fostering an appreciation for language concepts and techniques. The key concepts explored are:

• Text and Context: Understanding how the circumstances of a text's production, communication, and reception influence its meaning.
• Meaning and Style: Analyzing how linguistic elements combine to create meaning and a distinctive style.
• Audience: Identifying and analyzing communication strategies used to engage target audiences and predict potential responses.
• Creativity: Demonstrating creative language use in writing, reading, and language acquisition.
• Diversity: Exploring the range of English language forms and their interactions.
• Change: Analyzing how language evolves over time and the factors driving this change.

AS Level Components (Lower 6)

• Paper 1: Reading (2 hours 15 minutes)
• Focuses on reading comprehension and analytical skills.
• Candidates answer two compulsory questions based on unseen texts, including directed writing and text analysis components.
• Paper 2: Writing (2 hours)
• Emphasizes writing skills and reflective commentary.
• Candidates complete a shorter writing task and a reflective commentary, followed by an extended writing piece chosen from imaginative/descriptive, discursive/argumentative, or review/critical categories.

A Level Components (Upper 6)

• Paper 3: Language Analysis (2 hours 15 minutes)
• Develops analytical reading skills and understanding of linguistic concepts.
• Section A: Language Change - analysis of a prose text and quantitative language data (n-gram graphs, corpus data).
• Section B: Child Language Acquisition - analysis of spoken language transcripts.
• Paper 4: Language Topics (2 hours 15 minutes)
• Explores theoretical issues related to language use.
• Section A: English in the World - discussion of the role and status of English globally.
• Section B: Language and the Self - examination of the relationship between language, thought, and social identity.

It is important to note that this is one potential syllabus for the Zimbabwe Lower 6 English Language curriculum, and the specific content and assessment may vary between schools. It is advisable to consult with the relevant educational authorities or institutions for the most accurate and up-to-date information.