English Language

Course summary

Anyone who wants to continue studying English Language after GCSE. You will need to be interested in analysing texts, from advertisements to articles and speeches, as well as keen to explore how language is acquired, used and evolves over time. The course is a mix of practical and theoretical approaches to language study and complements most other subjects at A level. You might find it particularly useful if you want to pursue careers that demand higher level communication and analytical skills such as law or journalism. You will develop your own ability to express yourself in speech and writing. You will analyse a variety of texts from writers and speakers in different periods, genres and for varied purposes and audiences. You will explore how children learn, understand and express themselves through language and discover the personal, social and geographical differences in the way language is used. You will understand how the English language has evolved over time and look at social attitudes to language change and diversity. You will become familiar with methods to analyse the features of language including grammar, semantics and phonology. You will learn research skills and put them to use in a language investigation, focusing on an area that particularly interests you, for example childrens language or the language of the media or politics. You will have the opportunity to create your own original writing focusing on either the power of language in persuading, storytelling or conveying information.