English Language

Course summary

The English Language differs substantially from the Literature course. It does not contain the mixture of literature and language found in GCSE English. The English Language explores the language that surrounds us. From a conversation between friends to a politician’s election speech, students explore how form, structure and language shape meaning. The course studies the systematic frameworks of language, the variation of language according to context, and changes in language over time, as well as exploring contemporary language variation and change in the British Isles. Students will also explore how children learn language and how they are able to understand and express themselves through language. The coursework element introduces students to independent, investigative language study. It enables them to pursue areas of individual interest and to explore methodological issues concerning data collection and analysis. It allows them to develop a creative and critical approach to their studies and places language in its wider geographical, social and temporal contexts. They could pursue an area of individual interest such as: • representations of different individuals, social groups or nationalities • regional dialect • gendered talk • the language of new communication technologies • children’s language use • the language of the media • the language of different occupations or pastimes Another aspect of the coursework is designed to develop students’ ability to write for specific audiences and purposes and to explore key issues of representation and ideology. Students will produce one piece of original writing based on one of the following areas: • The Power of Persuasion • The Power of Storytelling • The Power of Information