A Level English Language at Ousedale School

This course is aimed at those students who wish to continue with English at Advanced Level but feel that an exclusively literature-based Advanced Level is not for them. Students opting for this course should have a keen interest in and an awareness of language, both written and spoken, in everyday use. They should also have the ability to analyse and comment critically upon their own writing and that of other authors.

Discussion in small and large groups will form a major part of lessons. Students will be expected to articulate their opinions and justify their analysis. Reading is an essential part of the English Language course and students will be expected to spend a significant part of the course analysing texts in order to familiarise themselves with the different purposes of written language. There will also be the opportunity for students to write creatively and at length.

Successful completion of the Language course will require a competent grasp of more than just basic English skills on the part of the candidate. To support these skills students will be taught aspects of advanced English Grammar as well as being given the opportunity to develop their own writing style.

The areas of study include:

• Language Varieties
• Language and Society
• Child Language Acquisition
• Language Change

Coursework will account for approximately 30% of the final grade awarded and provides an opportunity for students to work independently upon areas of personal interest.

English Language is delivered by a highly qualified team of English teachers. The English Department has enjoyed 100% pass rates at Advanced Level and our primary aim is that students should enjoy the course whilst securing the highest grade possible. To this end, a range of experiences including attendance at the annual English Language Conference held in London, are available to students.

Independent study and research are vital components of the course, and students are encouraged to embrace these elements from an early stage.

English Language offers students the opportunity to reflect upon the nature of communication. In this respect it is an excellent preparation for the demands of any university/college course or work environment in which effective written or verbal communication are a vital ingredient of success.