GCSE English Language

Ashbourne’s English students discover how language can shape our everyday lives. Through lively classroom discussions and by examining contemporary forms of text and spoken word our students learn how to analyse and interpret the constant flow of information around them. They are encouraged to embrace their creativity through writing and explore how to express their ideas fluently and effectively by our passionate, expert teachers.

Why study English Language?

Studying GCSE English Language teaches students how to become ‘language detectives’, looking beyond the obvious, reading between the lines and making inferences. Students learn the tools to theorise and support arguments with evidence, as well as to draw connections to broader ideas. Exploring language will help shape students into critical thinkers who are perceptive and empathetic as well as build their confidence and skills as communicators.

Which syllabus do we follow?

Ashbourne follows the Edexcel specification for GCSE English Language.

What is covered in this course?

This course comprises two externally examined components – Fiction and imaginative writing and Non-fiction and transactional writing – and an internally assessed endorsement for Spoken language.

Fiction and imaginative writingNon-fiction and transactional writingSpoken language
Students explore a range of prose fiction and learn skills to analyse and evaluate the language. The styles and techniques they learn can then be applied and developed in their own creative writing. Students are encouraged to apply their language analysis skills to compliment their GCSE English Literature course.
Students are given a range of 20th and 21st-century non-fiction texts covering different styles including literary non-fiction, articles, reviews, speeches, journals and reference, for example. They are required to analyse, evaluate and compare these texts. They will also develop their own writing skills for a selection of different formats and audiences, correctly using spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Here students get the chance to demonstrate their oral skills to engage, persuade and respond effectively. They will learn how to put forward their ideas fluently and effectively in the form of a presentation, e.g. a talk with questions and answers or a debate or interview-type dialogue, bearing in mind the prospective audience. The final internally assessed presentation will be with the teacher.

Who teaches this course?

Lauren Vanderhurst

MA English: Issues in Modern Culture (University College London); BA (Hons) English Literature (University of California); PGCE (Institute of Education, UCL)

Lauren’s love and enthusiasm for English inspires her students to find their own passion and embrace all that the subject has to offer. She is one of Ashbourne’s most encouraging and effective teachers who has played a full and active role in the college’s academic and cultural life since joining in 2014.
 

Why Choose Ashbourne College?
StudentsParentsTeachers
My time at Ashbourne was incredible! I made lifelong friendships and learnt how to be independent and manage my time well. For me, Ashbourne was a stepping stone between school and university where I was treated as an adult but was still given the guidance I needed to achieve the results that I wanted to get. During my time there I learnt so much, not just about my subjects, but about myself. I came to Ashbourne with a dream to study Music at university and, I am unbelievably grateful that, with the help of the teachers at Ashbourne, I am now a second year Music student at Royal Holloway University of London, my first choice. I have genuinely never been happier.
AimeeMusic at Royal Holloway University of London
Our grandson was very ready to make a huge step from recluse, out­ of ­step with his age group, not knowing what to do with himself or how to relate to others, many of whom he found terrifying. He found travelling on the tube terrifying and trusted few people. Ashbourne has never pushed him too hard but has always encouraged every step he has taken towards what was sometimes a big risk for him. He has learned to respect himself as a learner, to be realistic about his strengths and what he finds difficult, and is learning what to do about the things he finds difficult. He is becoming sociable, well­ informed good company, smiles 100% more than he did and travels to and from Ashbourne by tube without a qualm. He is punctual (or sends a message if held up). He is learning to trust the many good people he now recognises as on his side. He is very aware of how much Ashbourne has contributed to these huge changes and is looking forward to trying out University in September, becoming a student, knowing lots of other people will arrive by different routes. A real success story/work in progress. Thank you Ashbourne
I see Ashbourne as a place which I feel comfortable to express myself and it creates an environment that encourages me to develop as a leader. I am constantly looking for ways to improve. I am determined to continue to develop myself and I know that this is made more attainable with Ashbourne’s fantastic support and encouragement. I am very lucky to find myself at Ashbourne. It is a truly remarkable place to work.
Dennis FulcherHead of Multi-Media and Social Science Faculty
APPLY NOW