Studying English Language at Abbey develops and consolidates students' analytical, critical, investigative and writing skills. It is a respected academic subject that encourages a precise and methodical approach to learning and facilitates the development of students as independent learners. It is also highly enjoyable!

Subject Overview

Unit 1, Seeing Through Language, written exam (60% of AS, 30% of A-level)
Unit 2, Representation and Language, internally assessed coursework (40% of AS, 20% of A-level
Unit 3, Language Explorations, written exam (30% of A-level)
Unit 4, Language Investigations and Interventions, internally assessed coursework (30% of A-level)

Teaching Approaches

Discussion and textual analysis feature heavily, as does use of video and sound recordings. Coursework involves practical and investigative elements, where students will be asked to collect primary resources of their own.

Higher Education Opportunities

Relevant to all subjects in its development of students' ability to work analytically and to demonstrate independent research. It is a respected academic subject with a particular relevance to degree courses such as Law, the Social Sciences, Media and English, where the detailed use of language is an integral aspect of the discipline.

Supportive material

The Cambridge Encyclopaedia of the English Language - D. Crystal; The Oxford English Dictionary Online; Mastering Advanced English Language - S. Thorne; The BBC Voices Website.

Teaching staff: Anthony Raybould (Head of Department), Ian Johnson.