The Importance Of English Language Development

Recently I have had several conversations with pupils, parents, University students, teachers and other tutors in which the recurring theme has been the importance of proficiency in English. To say that English Language is an important subject is an understatement: I would argue that up to GCSE level it is the most important subject on the school curriculum along with basic arithmetic.

A high level of proficiency in English is a huge advantage in life. In education achieving a good level of English Language allows pupils to flourish. Even in the Sciences, a strong level of English comprehension and expression is essential for success. Candidates will frequently drop marks and fail exams in the Sciences because they fail to comprehend what the test questions are asking them. It is frustrating for bright pupils who excel in Science to achieve marks that do not reflect their application and ability simply because they frequently misread questions, or don`t fully understand what the question is asking. This is commonplace unfortunately, but it is also completely unnecessary as with a good level of GCSE English Language a pupil is well-served for most of the A-level subjects.

The importance of English proficiency only increases the further a student progresses through their education. At University level students are required to write long essays and dissertations in nearly all degree subjects, be it Chemistry, Politics, Law, Media or Economics. Students also have to sit written examinations in which timed essays are the means of assessment. Good comprehension levels and basic writing skills are an excellent tool that students will draw upon time and again. Unfortunately for those students who lack these skills, coursework and dissertation writing can often be an uphill struggle. It is frustrating for students who, due to a lack of proficiency in English Language, are unable to give clear expression to the knowledge that they have acquired in a given field of study. Only this week I have spoken with a University student who told me: `My Uni tutor said that I`d be getting firsts if my essays were well structured and well written. As it is, I`m getting 2.1s because the content is excellent but the writing isn`t.` This is only one example but I have had many similar conversations and I believe that problems in written expression is holding back many University students. The good news is that a very solid level of English Language development can boost a student`s marks and dissertation writing significantly. Even better news is that the GCSE syllabus provides an excellent grounding in all areas of English Language development. If you can acquire the skill set to excel in English Language GCSE this will serve you well in future study even if you don`t choose to study English Language formally past GCSE level.

It is not only in academia that a strong grasp of English Language is important. In day-to-day life we all use the skills of verbal expression, writing, reading and comprehension. We read contracts, we make important phone-calls, we make presentations, we send e-mails, we draft proposals, we speak up in meetings. Our level of English Language development has an impact on our success in all of these things. Obviously the specific expertise regarding a product or service that we are involved in are all important but a good solid grounding in English Language is a great help to anyone in their day- to-day professional life.

A strong working relationship with the English Language is an essential life-skill and perhaps the most valuable thing that a pupil can take from secondary education. Full literacy, good comprehension skills, a decent range of vocabulary and clear written expression are essential life-skills. All of these skills can be developed to an excellent functional level even in pupils who have difficulty with English, or perhaps dyslexia or low-level learning difficulties. Some pupils will naturally acquire these skills very quickly with the right teaching and will go on to show a good deal of flair and finesse in their English Language work. Other pupils will take more time to develop their skills and will work to acquire a very solid level of English Language skills. The main aim is to ensure that English Language development becomes a valuable asset to be used throughout life. The goal in education is not to turn every pupil into a budding journalist, barrister or even a mini-Shakespeare. This is neither desirable nor possible. The goal is to ensure that pupils attain as high a level of English Language development as possible. Even pupils who find the subject difficult are able to attain a very good grounding with a little work. This will serve them well throughout life.