This stimulating and challenging subject gives you an insight into both written and spoken forms of communication. You examine how language is used in a wide variety of situations and how it can be used to represent individuals, issues and events in different ways. Other elements of the course include social and regional effects upon language, how language is changing and child language acquisition. The emphasis is on developing your ability to examine and respond to language independently, for example by carrying out your own linguistic investigation.
The course consists of four modules, two assessed by coursework and two by exam. English Language is extremely popular at Farnham College and the course requires an open minded, analytical approach and it is highly rewarding.
All 16-19 year olds on full-time programmes will be required to retake GCSE English and Maths or to undertake Functional Skills, if they have not already attained the equivalent of a GCSE grade C in these subjects, every year of their course, until they complete their studies.
Those who want to examine language in depth.
A challenging course exploring the English language, benefiting from a modern learning resource centre.
What you'll learn
Specialist Academic Skills
- Analytical Skills
- Essay Writing
- Collaborative working
- Investigating different interpretations
- Close textual analysis
Essential Skills for Progression
- Textual analysis
- Formulating arguments
- Presentational skills
- Research skills
How you'll learn and be assessed
Examine and respond to language independently and in groupwork.
Homework: Maximum of 4.5 hours a week, comprising both written assignments and preparation for class discussion.
Progression
The possibilities at Higher Education are very varied. Former students have gone on to study drama, journalism, teacher training and linguistics.
Entry requirements
At least five GCSEs at grade 4 (grade C) or above, including Maths. In addition you should have a grade 6 (grade B) or above in English Language or English Literature.
Additional information
All students are expected to buy the text book – AQA English Language A (ISBN 978-0-7487-9848-3) £15.99; AQA English Language A (ISBN 978-0-7487-9855-1) £17.99; a couple of trips to London are planned.
