As a student currently studying English at university and an aspiring English teacher, I sincerely understand the significant leap from GCSE English Language to A Level English Language. It's as if they're entirely different subjects. My own journey evolved through the study of both English Language and Literature, but my passion - as cliche as that sounds - lies within the study of English Language. This is why I am encouraging a review and a reform of the GCSE English Language curriculum so that it reflects what the subject of English Language truly encapsulates whether that be in further or higher education.

I think that the current curriculum lacks sufficient theory. Instead, the focus is heavily placed on reading and analysing texts. Even though those skills are fundamental and highly valuable, the English language is composed of something much more than that. The inclusion of more theory, even at a basic level won't just be an enrichment to the curriculum, but it would make the subject more relatable to students. This could broaden their horizons of understanding and it might ignite a spark of interest, or at the very least it would make the subject more bearable to those who don’t have a natural curiosity about the subject.

I won’t get into details here, but statistics do reveal a significant drop-off in students pursuing English at A Level and in turn higher education. I think this is because the GCSE curriculum fails to accurately represent the subject's true essence. By enriching the English Language curriculum, we can help alleviate the steep learning curve from GCSE to A Level, providing a smoother transitional phase. 

If given the opportunity, student interest could be more stable or peak early on. This could mean some students continue with English studies further on in their educational journey. The study of English Language promotes skills that are greatly needed when written and analytical skills are highly valued in the wider world.

Our action today can shape the English Language lessons of tomorrow, and this, in turn, can help engage the minds of future generations. Help us create a curriculum that truly represents what the English language is like, and not just what it has been. We want to introduce more real world, more up to date and more practical ways of understanding how and why language works, somethings that you can’t achieve just by reading and analysing texts.

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