English Language

Why study Linguistics and the English Language?

Language is woven into every aspect of our lives; it is the colour through which we see the world.

On this course you will learn about the development of the English language, how it changes over time and still contains shards of the past like layers of history in an archaeological dig. You will discover the magical process of how children learn to speak, from gurgles and babbles to the tongue-trippingly difficult “hippopotamus”. Just ask a two-year old. You will see how much of who you are is what you say – often what you don’t – and how language is about power and control, about gender, identity, culture and politics, and everything in between. It’s really quite marvellous.

From speech therapists to forensic linguists to voice activated machines (hey Alexa), studying English Language opens up a world beyond the traditional. But if you are interested in History, Law, Psychology, the Classics, as well as any Modern foreign Language, A Level English Language is a perfect complement.

And don’t forget, if you are considering a degree or joint honours degree in English, you will certainly need to study A Level English Literature. However there’s no reason why you can’t study both.

Entry Requirements

You will need an average grade 6 or higher in GCSE English Language and English Literature to take this course.

Special features of the course

Opportunity for creative writing, with a particular focus on journalism (as part of the coursework)

Primary school visit to deepen understanding of child language acquisition

Costs

Trip to a university linguistics workshop approx. £20

Portfolios/sketchbooks - £5 - £10 (depending on size)

Where can I find out more?

Speak to Mr Elgin or Dr Falls (email melgin@ahs.bucks.sch.uk or dfalls@ahs.bucks.sch.uk)

How is the course organised?

Component 1: Language Variation

Students study how language varies depending on different factors, how language choices can create personal identities and the variation in English from c1550 to the present day.

Component 2: Child Language

In this component of the course, students explore how spoken language is acquired and how children learn to write between the ages of 0 and 8.

Component 3: Language and Gender

Developing their research and investigation skills, students will explore social attitudes and how the forms and conventions of written, spoken and multimodal language can construct or reflect gender and sexual identities.

Coursework: Crafting Language

Students are able to pursue their own interests to produce two pieces of original writing from the same genre. This is followed by a commentary reflecting on the two pieces of original writing.

Assessment

Paper 1 2¼ hours 35%

Paper 2 1¼ hours 20%

Paper 3 1¾ hours 25%

Coursework 20%