Department of English Language

Have you ever wondered how children learn to read and write?  English Language A-level will tell you.  Do you think the way we use language defines us socially and culturally?  We debate this.  Is it true that men and women speak differently?  Study English Language and you’ll find out.

In English Language A-level we aim to develop critical, insightful and analytical readers, not just of written texts but of people’s purposes when speaking.  Through discussion, presentations, textual analysis, creative writing and essays, we explore the multi-faceted concept of how communication works.  The subject focuses on numerous aspects of English ranging from early modern English to today’s street slang, bringing in elements of sociology, psychology, history, geography and law along the way.  You will be encouraged to follow your own lines of research culminating in a piece of coursework exploring an area of your own choice.

English Language A-level is completely different from GCSE English.  The course has a much greater focus on case studies and the theories behind communication types, allowing for a more in-depth and critical approach towards language in all its uses.  Spoken and written texts are forensically examined to determine the way they manipulate the audience.  To do this, you will be given a thorough grounding in grammar, syntax, semantics and pragmatics.  Ask your English teacher for further details.

“In English, our students gain a wide-ranging and thorough appreciation of both literature and language, in order to help to prepare them for the next stage of their lives. We aim to foster a love of reading and writing that underpins academic success in the broader curriculum, as well as developing a deeper understanding of the links between ourselves, people from different times and across cultures.”

Mrs V Johnson (Department Leader)