Why Study English Language?

There are very few, if any, areas of our lives that do not involve using language. Studying English Language at A Level will enable you to learn about the structures and functions of the language we use, and to become aware of the social, historical and psychological issues which shape the ways we think, speak and write. Expect something very different from GCSE!

You will learn how to analyse spoken and written language; discuss and analyse how conversation works; investigate the mysterious processes through which children learn to talk; and learn about the relationship between the language we use and our social values. You will engage with debates about English Language and learn about
how and why the English Language has changed over centuries.

You will discuss questions such as: why do many people dislike the Brummie accent, but love to hear a Geordie speak? Could the English Language die out in the next few hundred years? How has the internet changed language use? Do men and women speak the same language? You will also have the opportunity to investigate aspects of language independently in your coursework, as well as to produce some creative writing.

The A Level is assessed by two external exams which will require you to analyse unseen texts, test your knowledge of spoken and written language, evaluate theories and debates and write an article on attitudes to language variation and change. There are two pieces of coursework, one analytical and one creative.

Why Study English Language at Worcester Sixth Form College?

You will learn how to analyse spoken and written language; discuss and analyse how conversation works; investigate the mysterious processes through which children learn to talk; and learn about the relationship between the language we use and our social values. You will engage with debates about English Language and learn about how and why the English Language has changed over centuries. You will discuss questions such as: why do many people dislike the Brummie accent, but love to hear a Geordie speak? Could the English Language die out in the next few hundred years? How has the internet changed language use? Do men and women speak the same language? You will also have the opportunity to investigate aspects of language independently in your coursework, as well as to produce some creative writing.

Progression Opportunities

Many students go on to study English Language related courses such as Linguistics or Communication Studies at university. English Language is a subject that goes well with almost any area of study, so students have also gone on to courses in English Literature, Law, Business, Performing Arts, Psychology, Forensics and many others. English Language is also a very useful qualification for anybody wishing to go into primary teaching, speech therapy or journalism.

English Language Izzy Tompkin

Izzy Tompkin

English Language - Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College
I chose to study English Language as I liked the fact that there was an element of coursework alongside exams. I thought the issues discussed were very current and interesting. I have also studied Geography and Travel and Tourism. The ‘World English’ topic relates to these subjects as we look at how English has spread around the world. I have loved learning about how age influences the way a person uses language, and the way society judges slang used by teenagers. After College, I am going to study English Language and Linguistics at the University of Portsmouth.
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Course Specifics / Entry Requirements

Qualification Name Maths GCSE Req. English GCSE Req. Other Req. Desirable Qualifications Skills & Attributes Required for Success Guidance on Costs or Commitments
English Language4GCSE English at grade 5 or above.Interest in linguistics and language.Optional visits approx. £30

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