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English Language is a fascinating subject. You’ll study grammar, how children learn to speak and write, how language varies and develops over time and other issues such as the effect of language on our perception of the world. The foundation of the English Language A Level course is the analysis of both written and spoken language, which will enable you to understand how texts work and to effectively write your own. The coursework offers you free choice to develop your own original writing, so whether you are interested in sports journalism or creative writing, you choose.
Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above. You must have achieved at least a grade 5 in English Language or English Literature.
You will study: • Language & Individual Variation. Have you ever wondered why people use language so differently? Is it true that females ‘gossip’, males ‘swear’ and all teenagers use ‘like’? This section is where you find out what’s really going on when we use language. • Language Variation over time. This section studies how and why language changes. Why do we no longer use ‘thee’ and ‘thou’? Is English really getting worse? • Child Language. This section covers how humans are able to acquire speech so quickly and to such a high level. It also covers how children are taught to read and write. • Language Investigation. You will investigate a range of language issues around Language & Gender, and Language & Journalism. You will develop your own skills as a researcher and find data. • Coursework – this is where you get to choose. You will produce two pieces of original writing and a commentary.
Activities are wide-ranging, from debates to data analysis, research to individual writing. We also organise a range of trips to help your learning and understanding of context.
20% coursework 80% exams – made up of three exam papers; Variation, Child Language and Investigating Language.
Printing costs £10 per year.Optional trips from £20 each.
