Exam Board: AQA English Language and Literature B 2725
Qualification
AS Level – Year 1
At AS, this specification will enable candidates to study language and literature using an anthology of literary and non-literary texts and a chosen set of paired texts. Further study will focus upon the ways in which different writers have approached similar subjects and the ways in which language and style are affected by change over time and contextual variation.
The AS specification has 2 units:
Unit 1: Introduction to Language and Literature Study
The study of an Anthology of thematically linked spoken and written texts which will offer candidates the opportunity to consider the three major literary genres and a range of non-literary texts
Significant features of writers’ uses of language and their attitudes towards a specified theme.
Assessment
Assessment is by examination consisting of a written paper (1 hr 30 mins) with a weighting of 60% of total AS / 30% of total A Level marks
Two compulsory questions: one on an unseen text(s) which will be related to the themes of the Anthology; one on the Anthology itself. The questions will address thematic and stylistic issues, with a focus on:
a) writers’ or speakers’ use of language and
b) their attitudes towards a particular theme.
Unit 2: Themes in Language and Literature
Major prose genres, including fiction and literary non-fiction
Developing reading and writing skills through the in-depth study of writers’ crafting
The study of one set of paired texts from a prescribed list – for example: Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre and Jean Rhys’sWide Sargasso Sea.
Assessment
Assessment will be by two-part coursework assignment which accounts for 40% of the total marks for AS level and 20% of total A Level marks. The first part will focus on candidates’ ability to structure a comprehensive and informed discussion of a set theme, by appropriately using selected extracts from a studied text pairing.
The second part will focus on candidates’ ability to write creatively and demonstrate skills in a way which also provides evidence of their understanding of the texts as a whole.
A Level – Year 2
At A2, the specification includes coursework as a means of applying the knowledge, understanding and insights gained from literary and linguistic studies to transform an original work into a different genre or sub genre. Candidates will demonstrate the use of appropriate terminology when analysing set texts. Drama texts will be included at A2 level.
The A2 specification has 2 units:
Unit 3: Talk in Life and Literature
The skills and knowledge of literary and linguistic concepts and approaches to a variety of transcripts of real life, spoken situations
The construction, conveyance and interpretation of meanings, both in drama and in real life speech
The further development of key skills of communication and self-learning and performance.
Assessment
Assessment is by examination (2 hrs) which accounts for 30% of the total A Level marks. There are two questions: One is based on an extract from a prescribed play and one question requiring candidates to compare two unseen texts; one transcript and one literary text on the same theme.
Unit 4: Text Transformation
The choice of two literary works from a selection of prescribed authors and their transformation into different genres or sub-genres
The development of key skills of communication, self-learning and performance, and problem solving.
Assessment
Assessment will be by the production of a coursework folder (accounting for 20% of total A Level marks) that includes the transformed texts and associated commentary or commentaries. Candidates will apply the knowledge, understanding and insights gained from literary and linguistic studies to transform the original work into a different genre, or ‘sub genre’ and to provide a commentary which reflects upon their work, demonstrating greater understanding of the creative process.
Entry requirements
Students must have an acceptable level of English language understanding (at least GCSE English grade C or equivalent) as written essays are a major part of assessment.
For more information on this course, please go to http://www.aqa.org.uk