AS / A2 English Language

WHY TAKE ENGLISH LANGUAGE?
If you think you may enjoy a course which involves the study of the different ways people use language, how society views its use and how language has developed, then this may be the course for you. In addition, you will develop a wide variety of skills that are highly regarded both by employers and universities, and which will complement many of the other courses at Priestley. English Language prepares you for careers which require good communication skills such as publishing, public relations, marketing, journalism, management, the legal profession, teaching and many others.

WHAT ARE THE KEY AREAS OF STUDY?
At AS, you will study different varieties of language, speech and writing, grammar, and learn how to write in a variety of literary genres. You will produce a coursework folder containing a piece of original writing with a commentary and an investigation into an aspect of spoken language of the media. If you decide to continue to A2, you will study many varieties of English, the history of English, language change, spoken language, and learn how to write in a variety of non-literary genres. You will produce a coursework folder containing non-literary writing and an investigation into an area of language study.

WHAT SKILLS WILL I NEED AND DEVELOP?
To get the most out of your English Language course you must be willing to learn about English grammar and how to analyse language usage in both speech and writing. You must be willing to learn a range of linguistic terminology. You should be interested in learning how to write for different audiences. You should also be keen to share with, and justify your views to, your fellow students and to develop your writing skills so that you can express your ideas clearly and logically in essays. You will develop your oral communication skills in group and pair discussion work and be given opportunities to present your ideas in formal presentations. You will also develop independent research skills using the internet, Virtual Learning Environment and Learning Resource Centre. You will develop analytical skills as well as written communication skills through coursework, timed examination practice and essays.

ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS I NEED?
You will need at least a grade C in GCSE English Language.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
40% Coursework, 60% Examination.
This is for both the AS and the A2 courses.

PRIESTLEY EXTRA
To develop your understanding of English you will be able to attend theatre performances, and conferences, hear visiting speakers and attend English enrichments such as creative writing. You will also have the opportunity to join us on one of our overseas residential visits. Many of our students go on to study Linguistics or English Language in Higher Education.



STUDENT IN PROFILE - CHRIS PHILLIPS
Former High School - Bridgewater
After joining Priestley Chris opted to take English Language alongside his performance based subjects. Whilst studying the subject Chris wrote scripts and analysed stand-up comics for his coursework. He found the skills he learnt transferable to other subjects and now has the ability to write even more effectively.



STUDENT IN PROFILE - JOEL BEAVON
Former High School - The Grange
Joel came to Priestley from The Grange in Runcorn and pursued his interest in English, studying AS English Language. He found the course gave him some freedom to be creative and improved his knowledge of all aspects of the English language. A keen performer, the course gave him skills that he found valuable for his entire study programme.