English

Studying English is vital for developing key academic skills, including analysis, critical thinking, and effective written and spoken communication. These skills are essential for success in any essay-based subject at A Level or higher education.

At Queen Ethelburga’s, an outstanding independent school in Yorkshire, English Language is a compulsory subject at Key Stage Four. Students can extend their learning by studying GCSE English Literature or progressing to A Level English Language and/or Literature.

Senior school students in class with teacher

Study English Language and English Literature at GCSE and A Level at Queen Ethelburga’s.

Preparing for University English Courses

Many of our A Level English Literature and Language students go on to study subjects, like English Literature, English Language and Linguistics, Film Studies, Media and Communications, and subjects related to the Humanities.

See the most popular university choices below.

English GCSE Courses In Yorkshire

At Queen Ethelburga’s College, we offer three tailored pathways for students aged 14–16 to achieve success in their English GCSEs:

Pathway 1: Study English Language in Year 10 and English Literature in Year 11.
Pathway 2: Complete a two-year English Language course with the option to add English Literature in Year 11.
Pathway 3: For international students, study English as an Additional Language (EAL) and complete the Cambridge B2 First qualification.

Year 11 Options

Students in Year 11 can:

Continue IGCSE English Language, finalising coursework and exam technique through a thematic approach.
Begin IGCSE English Literature, using texts studied in Year 10 to inform coursework.

Cambridge IGCSE English Qualifications

First Language English IGCSE
‘I really enjoyed the coursework as it allowed me the chance to improve my writing and follow my own interests’. English Language is a compulsory and essential subject for all students in Key Stage Four. The course develops your ability to communicate clearly, accurately, and effectively, while also teaching the correct use of vocabulary, grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Topics include: Reading: Modern and non-fiction texts; analysing language and summarising content. Writing: Descriptive and narrative writing; text responses.
Literature in English IGCSE
“The set texts were fascinating, but I especially loved the freedom to explore others through coursework.” English Literature is an optional subject offered to students who are achieving a high level in English Language. The course teaches you to read, interpret, and evaluate texts, and it develops your understanding of literal meaning, relevant contexts, and the deeper themes or attitudes that may be expressed within written texts. Topics include: Poetry and Prose Drama Unseen

First Language English IGCSE

‘I really enjoyed the coursework as it allowed me the chance to improve my writing and follow my own interests’.

English Language is a compulsory and essential subject for all students in Key Stage Four. The course develops your ability to communicate clearly, accurately, and effectively, while also teaching the correct use of vocabulary, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Topics include:

Reading: Modern and non-fiction texts; analysing language and summarising content.
Writing: Descriptive and narrative writing; text responses.

Literature in English IGCSE

“The set texts were fascinating, but I especially loved the freedom to explore others through coursework.”

English Literature is an optional subject offered to students who are achieving a high level in English Language. The course teaches you to read, interpret, and evaluate texts, and it develops your understanding of literal meaning, relevant contexts, and the deeper themes or attitudes that may be expressed within written texts.

Topics include:

Poetry and Prose
Drama
Unseen

English Courses for International Students (Ages 14 to 16)

English as an Additional Language (EAL) IGCSE
“I think the English as an Additional Language course suits me better as I develop my English skills.” This course is offered to international students who do not speak English as their first language. It will develop your ability to communicate in English across a range of familiar situations. Topics include: Listening and Reading Speaking and Writing Key themes: personal life, social life, education, work and the world around us
Cambridge B2 First – ESOL
This globally recognised qualification expands vocabulary and deepens grammar understanding, enabling students to speak and write English fluently and accurately. Topics include: Health Media Relationships Global issues Entertainment Identity The Arts Science Technology

English as an Additional Language (EAL) IGCSE

“I think the English as an Additional Language course suits me better as I develop my English skills.”

This course is offered to international students who do not speak English as their first language. It will develop your ability to communicate in English across a range of familiar situations.

Topics include:

Listening and Reading
Speaking and Writing
Key themes: personal life, social life, education, work and the world around us

Cambridge B2 First – ESOL

This globally recognised qualification expands vocabulary and deepens grammar understanding, enabling students to speak and write English fluently and accurately.

Topics include:

Health
Media
Relationships
Global issues
Entertainment
Identity
The Arts
Science
Technology

English A Level Courses in Yorkshire (Ages 16-18)

At Sixth Form level, you can choose to study English Literature and/or English Language as an A Level qualification. We also offer support for IELTS examinations if you are an international student.

AS and A Level English Language – Cambridge International Examinations
“English Language allowed me to learn about theories and concepts behind everyday language. The difference between GCSE and A Level content is massive; in A Level, we study how things like gender and age impact language, as well as accents from around the UK and the world. English has helped me to understand more about how and why we speak the way we do.” The study of language explores conventions and discourses in a range of genres. You will explore how language changes, how children learn language and how language reflects the self. Topics include: Reading and Writing Techniques Language Change and Child Language Acquisition English in the World and Language and Identity
AS and A Level Literature in English – Cambridge International Examinations
“Literature allows you to learn about human behaviour and society on a deeper level. It helps you to think critically through reflection, which is really useful when it comes to choosing subjects like Law for your future career.” Studying Literature develops transferable skills in analysis, critical thinking and written/spoken communication, which are essential to support any essay-based subjects at A Level or to prepare for Higher Education. The course examines writing from Tennessee Williams, William Blake, Ian McEwan, Shakespeare, Eugene O’Neill, John Donne and Jean Rhys. Topics include: Drama and Poetry Prose and Unseen Shakespeare and Drama Pre- and Post-1900 Poetry and Prose
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) – Cambridge ESOL
“IELTS is useful for all steps and stages of your life as it is recognised worldwide and accepted in many countries. IELTS helped me in different ways: from improving my English language skills to building personality and developing as a person by considering various aspects of life.” The IELTS qualification is accepted by over 10,000 institutions globally. Topics include: Technology Environmental issues Infrastructure Geography and topology History and artefacts Scientific breakthroughs Family and society Work and education Global issues and opportunities The future Money and the economy Wellbeing The natural world Ageing populations Traffic and transport

English lessons for senior school pupils at Queen Ethelburga's

English Enrichment Opportunities

For over one hundred years, Queen Ethelburga’s has hosted the Foundation Essay Competition, providing gifted and talented students with the opportunity to showcase their writing skills. Students write an essay on a topic of their choice, and the winner’s name is engraved on the school’s honour board.

Originally open only to Key Stage Five students, the competition has recently expanded to include Key Stage Four and King’s Magna. Last year’s topics included the intersection of human intelligence and technology, grappling with philosophical and ethical questions about what it means to be human in an increasingly technological world.

Why Study English at Queen Ethelburga’s College?

Refurbished classrooms for 2025/26 in Armorial Hall, once home to Anne Brontë
Outstanding English Language Programme for international learners
A variety of modern and traditional study spaces
On-site coffee shop
Opportunities for public speaking, debating, and theatre trips

Visit Us

Discover why Queen Ethelburga’s College is one of the best places to study English in Yorkshire. Join us for an Open Day or arrange a private tour to meet our dedicated teachers and explore our world-class facilities.

English

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