We currently study the AQA syllabus which involves two exams, testing a range of reading and writing skills. There is currently no coursework involved with this syllabus.
The subject
English Language is a core subject, essential for admission to higher education. However, the study of the subject also helps with all your studies. It will develop and refine both your reading and writing skills and develop your confidence in speaking and presentation. You will explore a range of lively topics in discussions, unleash your imagination through creative writing and develop analytical skills in a range of contexts. English Language is a core subject, essential for admission to higher education. However, the study of the subject also helps with all your studies. It will develop and refine both your reading and writing skills and develop your confidence in speaking and presentation. You will explore a range of lively topics in discussions, unleash your imagination through creative writing and develop analytical skills in a range of contexts.
The course
English Language has three components, reading, writing and speaking and listening. We study a range of non-fiction and fiction extracts, including newspaper and magazine articles, leaflets, biography, travel writing and short stories and fiction extracts. We discuss how writers use language to engage and manipulate their readers, and you will be able to try out some of these techniques for yourself.
We concentrate on writing better essays – a skill that transfers to many other subjects. We also practise writing formal letters, articles, leaflets, and speeches, focusing on presenting a structured and clear point of view. The speaking and listening component involves the delivery of a talk. In studying the fictional extracts we will explore character and literary techniques and use some of these to develop your own descriptive, narrative and imaginative writing.