English Language

5 in Mathematics required

6 in English Language required

6 in English Literature (if taken at GCSE)

6 in an essay writing subject required if English Literature not taken at GCSE (e.g., History, Geography)

 

Studying English language will open up new perspectives on the world around you as you increase your awareness of all aspects of interaction and expression. You’ll develop your knowledge of the technical aspects of language and enhance your analytical skills through exploring the relationship between texts of all types and their contexts.

 

Many students go on to study an English-related subject at university, such as linguistics, English language, speech and language therapy, creative writing and journalism. Others successfully apply for subjects such as law and psychology.

 

You’ll attend journalism and creative writing workshops with professional writers, and visit museums and exhibitions, including the British Library and Keats House. We also participate in the UK Linguistics Olympiad, competing against students across the country using language skills to solve problems.

 

 

You’ll be introduced to topical debates within linguistic study, raising questions such as whether grammar rules really matter and whether technology is having a negative impact on language use.Sociolinguistic topics regarding how language shapes social identity are covered, including the relationship between gender, language and power. We also explore the origins of the English language and draw on psycholinguistic studies to help us understand how children acquire language. There is an original writing component where you develop your own skills at shaping language for a variety of genres and audiences. For coursework you’ll investigate an area of language change of your own choosing with support from your teachers.

 

 

 

 

 

Exploring language

 

 

Dimensions of linguistic variation

Coursework - 40% 

 

Independent language research