English Language

Course summary

English Language focuses upon exploring and investigating the construction and function of language from different genres and time periods. It builds upon the skills and knowledge students have gained through their English Language GCSE, both in analysing texts and creating original writing. You will be introduced to the key concepts and linguistic theory around language use and the influence it has over a variety of aspects of society. This is examined in two written papers. Paper 1 ‘Language, the Individual and Society’ integrates methods of language analysis into questions on textual variations and representations and how children develop language incorporating speech, reading and writing up to the age of 11 years. In order to be successful, you need to acquire precise terminology, which will enable you to rigorously deconstruct language at whole text, sentence and word level. Paper 2 requires a wide contextual appreciation of language over the course of its societal and historical development. Focus is placed on understanding how English has evolved in response to changes in areas such as technology, trade and media expansion. Examined questions also require a deconstruction of texts and the ideas, world-views and messages they uphold; an appreciation of how language choice creates meaning is essential. The internally assessed coursework unit allows you to explore your own creative interests in the production of a piece of original writing. This piece will be written for a distinct audience and purpose and is accompanied by a commentary explaining your linguistic choices. In addition you complete a ‘Language Investigation’ coursework piece, in which you explore an area of language that interests you and develop a deeper understanding of the impact language has on a specific area of society. Ranging from topics as distinct as the evolution of Doctor Who’s language choice to the representation of gender in current video games, this coursework is a truly independent and individual project: an opportunity to dictate the direction of your own learning.