English Language and Linguistics at A level is different to English Language GCSE. It takes a close look at how the language works - how we acquire it as children, how it has developed and, crucially, how it is used, to change minds, to represent particular groups and to gain power and prestige. The course aims to encourage you to develop your interest in the ways that the English language is used in a wide variety of texts and contexts, and for you to learn about its structure and functions. The course encourages you to reflect on how you express yourself in speech and writing and should help you to do so with increasing competence, sophistication and enjoyment. A key element is also the study of language in society - how men and women converse, for example - and this aspect tends to prompt lively and fascinating debate.