Course overview
What do people think when they hear your accent? What’s a tablet? Ask Aristotle, then Moses, a doctor, then Steve Jobs. What was a vacuum before it became a vacuum? Why might you not want ketchup on your chips once you find out what the word ‘ketchup’ actually means? Is anyone actually laughing out loud when they’ve typed ‘LOL’? Do women tell lies better than men? All of this and more is explored in the wonderful world of English Language.
This subject covers a tremendous range of topics – old language, new language, child language, and gendered language, to name just a few. If it has been written, spoken, typed, tweeted, re-tweeted, sent, broadcast, shouted or mumbled, you will study it. We look at how and why language is used in all its forms in the world today and yesterday.
Course information
This course is assessed by a combination of coursework and examination. In Year 2 you will complete two exams and a coursework folder of 3,500 words on a topic of your choosing.
English Language is a subject that leads into and supports many different careers. Students go on to study a wide range of degrees; a degree in English can lead to careers that are related to the fields of Law, Media, Administration; Publishing; Health Care; Education and the Leisure industry. Former students have gone on to study a range of degrees at university. David is now at Leeds Trinity University studying Film; Hannah is at York University studying Philosophy and Linguistics; Ryan has gone to Sunderland University to study Journalism and Kerrie went to Northumbria University to study Law.
Grades 9-4 in seven GCSEs (AGCSE 5.00 – 5.50). Grade 5 in Engklish Language strongly recommended.
Depending on your previous grades you may need to study English and maths alongside your other courses. These are essential skills that all employers value.
Head to our website and complete our simple online application form: www.stockton.ac.uk/apply
Alternatively, you can find a hard copy of our application form at the back of our prospectus. Complete this and post it back to us, or hand it in at our Reception.
English Language lessons are an active learning experience, where your opinions, thoughts, ideas and perspectives on the use of language will be asked for and must be expressed out loud. Yes, we teach you to pass exams, but perhaps more importantly we also help you to find your voice.
“I took English Language because I want to become a primary school teacher and I needed a National Curriculum subject. I’ve really enjoyed the children’s language acquisition topic as it helped me with my university application, I could discuss the ways in which children use language when I went to an open day.”
“The lessons are intense, structured and relaxed – a difficult mix but the teachers manage to keep me on task and I’m not always the best at remaining focused.”
“I’ve loved the language change topic as it linked nicely to my favourite subject History. I really enjoyed learning about Anglo-Saxon and Medieval English and how we speak and use language in the 21st century.”
