Why study Linguistics (English Language)?
Linguistics – Linguistics (English Language) is very different from what you have studied before at school. It involves examining every aspect of our language in great detail and understanding how this is shaped by factors such as our age, gender, and position in society. You will study how our language is constructed and how it has developed over time, as well as how children learn to speak and responding to experts’ views on why this happens. You will read and respond to a range of texts from different eras and viewpoints, using your knowledge of theory and the structure of language to comment on what the authors are trying to achieve. This subject works well alongside studying foreign languages, as well as Psychology and Sociology. It is also a good companion to English Literature and is recommended for anyone considering a degree in the subject, as many English Literature degrees include a unit on Linguistics.
If you choose this course you would benefit from:
•Experienced teachers who specialise Linguistics teaching
•Guest lecturers from Redbrick universities.
•Trips to London to visit the British Library and trips to universities to see how English Language is taught at higher education institutions.
•A chance to investigate a language issue that you find interesting, with the guidance of teaching staff.
In the first year you will study:
- Grammar terminology
- How to analyse lexical choices
- How context can affect language choices
- Language and Gender
- Language and Power
- Language and Technology
In the second year you will study:
- Child language acquisition
- How to undertake a research project on a language issue of your choice
- How to create an academic poster
- Phonology
- How the context of a written text can contribute to language change
- How and why linguistic changes occur over time
What will I be taught?
This course is taught through lessons where students will be expected to contribute and deliver material to other students. Some areas, such as grammar terminology, will be taught through flipped learning where students will be expected to access teaching resources from the college Moodle before the topic will be reviewed in class. In addition, your teacher and personal tutor will review and discuss your progress with you and will be available for advice to support your learning.
Classroom activities will include:
- Class discussions on language issues
- Essay based assessments
- Interactive online quizzes
- Group work
- Student led sessions
Based on research into how students learn best, each subject will set independent work to allow you to recap what you have done in the past, consolidate understanding for what you are studying in the present and develop the skills and experiences which will help you for the future. You can read more about the college’s approach to independent study here
The Past
Click here for the suggested ongoing revision activities in this subject which research has shown are most likely to boost your achievement
The Present
Each subject will set weekly homework tasks to help you consolidate your understanding and prepare for your next lesson. This work is typically set through Microsoft Teams, so you will have an electronic log of all your work, notes and feedback.
The Future
A key part of your independent work in this subject will be to prepare for a range of potential jobs and higher education courses when you leave us. To get started, look below at the top higher education courses and jobs which previous students of this course have gone on to do.
As part of a wider programme, this course provides an excellent basis for progression to many careers or university courses.
Former students of this college have gone on to study modern foreign languages, English language, English literature, teaching, law, and others.
How many hours per week?
Teaching contact time is 4 hours and 20 minutes per subject. Other workshops will be available throughout the year including over some holiday periods. Students are expected to complete up to 4 hours of independent study to complete assignments, homework, extra reading and independent research.
5 x GCSE grades 4-9 (incl. English Language)
Additional Requirements
5 in English Language
5 in English Literature
5 in one other essay based subject from this list: English Literature, History, Religious Studies, Geography
Not essential but it will help your success…
An interest in a range of relevant topical issues (eg politics, the news…) Confident at extended writing in timed conditions.
Pairs well with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Economics, Computing and Psychology.
80% exam
- Exploring Language
- Dimensions of Linguistic Variation
20% Coursework- Independent language research
- Independent language investigation
- Academic Poster
Staff Contact Details
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