English Language………………………………………Page

Courses...

English Language A Level

Overview

We begin the course by teaching the core linguistic terms students need before beginning to look at other more specific topics. The aim is to bridge the gap from GCSE study and move students towards a more technical approach to studying language.

During the first year the topics explored include how language varies according to gender, the social groups people are part of and their occupation. We also study the differences in accent and dialect across the British Isles. The second year modules include child language acquisition and the evolution of English into a global language. There are opportunities for students to analyse a wide range of texts, including literary and multi-media texts such as chat room conversations. Students are expected to collect their own data for analysis, transcribe conversations, work together and deliver presentations, giving them the skills they will need at higher education. In addition to analysing the language of others there is also a creative writing element to the course where students work on developing their own skills as writers in a number of genres and styles. Students are encouraged to read widely to develop their appreciation of different writers’ techniques. This popular course is highly successful at All Hallows. Students finish with skills and experiences that are beneficial in many career paths including teaching, law, tourism, journalism and media. 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English Language grade 5

Entry Requirements

English Language 15