English Language

Course summary

Pupils will take the full A Level at the end of their Upper Sixth Year. English Language A Level is much more specialist than the English studied at GCSE level, requiring clear understanding of grammatical and structural features to analyse the subtle language choices made in every written or spoken text. This descriptive linguistic approach celebrates the diversity of the English language and how it changes according to identity and cultural contexts. Pupils will cover a broad selection of topics ranging from: language and social groups, language and occupation, language and power, language and gender, to the rise of global English, together with broader areas of study such as: child language acquisition and a history of the English language. The course allows maximum opportunity to develop personal and independent language interests. For example, the pupils are able to investigate an area of language in which they have a particular interest as part of their coursework; in addition, the course allows pupils to pursue an interest in creative or transactional writing, and encourages an exploration of texts of many genres. English Language combines well with Languages, Drama, History, Politics, Psychology and Business Studies, while offering breadth to pupils with science-based options. It also complements English Literature very effectively, particularly for those pupils considering reading English at university.