English Language
Download our English Language Prospectus here.
This course builds on the study of English Language at GCSE. Students study language itself, exploring its development in children and its use by mature English users in a variety of contexts. Students learn to approach language analytically, applying this knowledge to the investigation of language in use and their own creative writing. This course contrasts with English Literature in that it is more focused on non-fiction texts and formal analytical methods.
English Language FAQs
I like English, but I don’t know if I should choose language or literature.
Literature is the study of novels, plays and poetry. If you love to read and enjoy unpicking your reading carefully then literature will be a good fit for you. Language is more analytical and scientific. If you want to understand the theories that underpin our language choices when we write or speak, this might be the course for you.
What are the similarities to English Language GCSE?
Textual analysis is still a central skill. You will analyse and compare unseen texts from different time periods in your exam. Creative writing is also a component.
What are the differences to English Language GCSE?
There is a stronger focus on subject terminology. You will learn how language works and explain its use in a much wider variety of contexts than you studied for GCSE. You will study child language development and language change, which are topics not covered at GCSE level.
Is it all assessed through examination?
No. There are two exams worth 80% of the course, but 20% is non-exam assessment (NEA). This is a folder of work produced independently throughout the course that shows you working at your absolute best (when you don’t have the time pressure of an exam to contend with!).
I really like creative writing. Will I get the opportunity to do this?
Yes, but it’s not as large a part of the course as it is at GCSE. There is one exam question (out of seven) that asks you to write creatively, and part of your NEA (coursework) folder will be a piece of creative writing.
