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FACULTY OF English & Languages
At Truro and Penwith College, our English and Languages courses include three English A Levels, A Level French and A Level Spanish. Our enthusiastic and knowledgeable lecturers are subject experts who want to foster your creativity, independence, critical thinking skills, and love of literature and language.
Develop Transferable Skills
Language is at the heart of society and shapes how we view the world. By studying one of our English & Languages courses, you will develop critical thinking, interpretation, analytical, and communication skills.
We will help you to broaden your awareness of the world around you, as you will study literature and language within wider socio-historical and political contexts.
A future in communication & culture
Language is intrinsically linked with a country’s literature, traditions and history. You will explore the linguistic and literary heritage of the English Language, understanding how it influences all communication. The world will be opened up to you as your foreign language skills develop and you become immersed in a new culture.
Join one of the largest English and Language departments nationally.
Achieve
You will be taught and supported by experts with a passion for their subject and who have extensive knowledge of the exam requirements. Students achieve exceptionally high grades in A Level subjects against the national average.
Success
High numbers of students who progress to university went to Russell Group institutions including Oxbridge. Students progress to a wide range of courses beyond English and Languages.
creative
There are extensive enrichment opportunities including the Creative Writing Enrichment option where you will be given the opportunity to take part in a range of local and national competitions.
Support
You will have access to our dedicated Language Laboratories and Learning Centre. Students are well supported to make exceptional progress in their courses and benefit from strong links with the College’s Academic and Oxbridge Academies.
How Rowan is Bridging Languages & Business
We caught up with Rowan, a Languages student at Truro and Penwith College, who has taken his passion for linguistics and combined it with a sharp mind for business and technology.
Rowan has developed his own innovative software designed to help people master new languages through the power of film subtitles, turning a personal interest into a tool that could help thousands.
VALUABLE SKILLS
The transferable skills you will acquire by studying one or more of our A Levels are highly valued by universities and employers in Cornwall and around the country. Studying English Language and Literature gives you some of the most desirable skills an employer, or university, look for. For example, the ability to clearly and concisely explain, write or present ideas and recognise themes. Studying a language such as French or Spanish can be highly desirable for those looking to work internationally.
DEDICATED LEARNING RESOURCE CENTRE
In addition to an enthusiastic team of linguists and native speakers, students who study a foreign language have access to our dedicated Languages Centre run by our specialist Languages Coordinator. You will have weekly conversation sessions with a native speaker. A wide range of additional support is also available for all aspects of language learning.
On our exciting English and Languages courses, you will develop the ability to think critically about different texts and about the world around you.
Jen McConnell
Head of Faculty
I had so much support from all my tutors, with a million mock interviews in the weeks leading up to ensure I was prepared for Oxbridge. I was so pleased and relieved when I finally got confirmation.
Brooke
A Level English Literature, Film Studies and Media Studies
FIND THE COURSE FOR YOU
A Level French
Truro College
Level 3
Full Time
A Level Spanish
Truro College
Level 3
Full Time
Frequently Asked Questions
To apply for an English and Language course at Truro and Penwith College, visit the course page on our official college website and complete your application online.
Yes, there are extensive enrichment opportunities including foreign trips to Eswatini, Spain and foreign exchanges and work experience at a primary school in Brittany, France.
Following on from an English and language course, you will progress in higher study or a chosen career. 60% of students who progress to university went to Russell Group institutions. Five students from the department went to Oxbridge to study Classics, Geography, Law, Medieval and Modern Languages and Human, Social and Political studies. Graduates from English and languages programs at Truro and Penwith College can pursue diverse career paths, including roles in Teaching, Journalism, Translation, Publishing, Law and more. The field offers a wide range of opportunities in various industries. Visit the Career Zone or truro-penwith.ac.uk/career-zone to find out more.
When you start an English and Language course at Truro and Penwith College, you will be joining one of the largest English and Language departments nationally. You will have access to our dedicated language laboratories and Learning Centre. Students also make exceptional progress in their courses and benefit from strong links with the College’s Academic and Oxbridge Academies.
Entry requirements for English and Language programs vary. Check the specific course details on the college website or prospectus or contact the admissions office for the most accurate and up-to-date information on entry requirements.
We strongly recommend making an application for your chosen course as soon as you can when you are in your final year of school. After you have submitted your application, you will be invited to attend an interview where you can make amendments to your application if need be.