What is the difference between English Language and English Literature?
These subjects are radically different disciplines that involve practising very different skills. English Literature is about reading, analysing and evaluating poetry, prose and drama, looking at the ways that writers use techniques to create effects. English Language is the study of language taken from everyday sources including examples of written and spoken text. There are also exciting opportunities to study some controversial issues, exploring different viewpoints to issues related to Political Correctness and language considered ‘taboo.’ It focuses on how values, attitudes and purposes are revealed through the mechanics of language, and how these can vary according to gender, occupation, time, accent diversity and technology. The subject provides ample opportunity for discussions and debates relating to real-world issues: past and present. This course is very different from English Language at GCSE.
English Language involves studying a range of authentic texts, transcripts and videos taken from everyday sources and a variety of contexts. It considers how texts are designed for particular audiences and purposes, and how viewpoints over the past two hundred years have changed as a result of society changing. It also involves studying how the dimensions of power, technology, gender, history, globalisation and age can influence the ways individuals, social groups and institutions communicate.
College entry to include a grade 5 in GCSE English Language and a grade 5 in GCSE English Literature, (please refer to the Entry Requirements section for further details).
You will be assessed through external examinations and coursework.
The course is designed to sharpen your understanding of how language works, with detailed analysis of language use in a range of texts.
You should be willing to justify your ideas during class discussions and in written essays and enjoy working both independently and in a group
English Language combines well with most subjects and can lead to a wide variety of courses in Higher Education. It prepares you for careers which require good communication skills such as teaching, journalism and media, advertising, marketing or personnel work.
Our Elective Programme is designed to help you develop your gifts and interests as part of an enhanced level 3 programme. We will help you realise your potential by nurturing your talent and preparing you for study at the most prestigious universities or for progression to competitive higher-level apprenticeships. Your options range from our Honours Programme, which might include following a fourth A level, to specialist Futures Programmes that will support your career goals.
If you’re not quite ready to start on a Level 3 Technical course (T Levels) or a Vocational Level 3 course (BTEC) but want to begin on the path to your chosen career, the Transition Programme could be for you.
Transition Programmes are tailored to prepare students to move onto Technical or Vocational Level 3 study. They will give you the opportunity to improve your English and Maths, your work readiness skills and introduce you to the technical skills and concepts that you will need for future study and employment.
As part of the Transition Programme you will study a BTEC Level 2 Award in your chosen subject area as well as the BTEC Level 2 Extended Award in Work Skills. You will also have the opportunity to resit GCSE English and/or Maths if you have not yet achieved a grade 4.
Entry criteria for Transition Programmes is four grade 3s including grade 3s in English Language and Maths GCSE.