If you are interested in the English language itself – how we use language for different purposes, how speech differs from writing, and whether gender makes a difference to language-use, then this will be the right course for you. Using a variety of spoken, written multi-modal forms, you will explore the ways in which our language-use adapts according to different contexts and analyse how a range of writers and speakers use English for their own specific purposes. From adverts, to social media exchanges to articles, we focus on how and why language cannot be separated from the society in which we live.

You will explore a diverse range of topics, including how we shape our identities according to our gender, dialects, ethnicity/diversity & power, occupation and class. As you do so, you will develop the skills of analysis, grammar and writing. Students also learn about how the English language has evolved over the last 450 years and the ways in which children acquire speech and literacy.

During the course, you will have the opportunity to produce a variety of creative writing coursework from opinion articles, reviews and memoirs, worth 20% of the final grade. In the second year of the course, you also collect your own data to undertake an Investigation unit, based on a specific linguistic area.

Unit 1 - Exam Language Variation: 35%
The language of identity
Language change from 1550
Unit 2 - Exam Child Language: 20%
Speech or literacy development
Unit 3 - Exam Investigating Language: 25%
Research project on a key topic: Gender/ Power/ Journalism/ Dialect/ World Englishes
Unit 4 - Coursework Crafting Language: Creative writing: 20%
Two creative nonfiction texts & one commentary

I chose English Language because I loved analysing texts at GCSE and wanted to take this a step further by looking deeper at how language is formed over time, as well as how individuals use language. The child language acquisition module was my favourite as I loved looking into the psychology behind how children can pick up language and how this can affect their speech and writing skills. I also enjoyed the language change module from which I learnt all about how our language has evolved over thousands of years and its major influences, such as the invasion of the Vikings and the Renaissance era.

Jake Stratford, ex Peacehaven Community School

Course Essentials

Courses Available

A Level

Entry Requirements

How The Course is Assessed

80% exam, 20% coursework

Career Pathways

English Language students go on to take a variety of degree courses, including English Language and Linguistics, Journalism, Education and Creative Writing. This subject can lead to working in journalism, PR, teaching, law, speech therapy and any other career where the ability to communicate and use language effectively is valued. Other options available include: Digital Copywriter, Editorial Assistant, Primary School Teacher, English as a Foreign Language Teacher and Web Content Manager, Librarian, Advertising Account Executive, Arts Administrator, Information Officer, Public Relations Officer etc.

Transferable Skills

Written competence and accuracy; speaking and communication skills; the ability to structure and organise arguments; widened vocabulary; improved use and grasp of grammar; analysis of texts; drafting and editing; IT skills.

Other Information

Our popular Creative Writing enrichment class meets weekly and has produced prize-winning and published writers. It is open to anyone interested in creative work. Course trips have involved taster days at local universities and visits to the British Library and Dr Johnson's house for language change.

Enquiries To

Tess McGivney: tem@varndean.ac.uk