Exam Board

AQA (7712: Spec A)

Course Leader

Mrs H Crawley and Mr D Howell

Course summary

A study of ‘Love Through the Ages’ and engaging with ‘Texts in Shared Contexts’. Students will explore central themes and ideas in poetry, plays and novels and they will consider the ways in which writers shape meaning, conveying their messages. There will be the opportunity to make comparisons between texts from a range of historical periods, with an understanding of how the context has influenced the writer and the texts’ production.

What will students learn?

A Level Literature

Content

English Literature A encourages students to explore the relationships that exist between texts and the contexts within which they are written, received, and understood. Studying texts within a shared context enables students to investigate and connect them, drawing out patterns of similarity and difference, using a variety of reading strategies and perspectives.

English Literature A allows students to debate and challenge the interpretations of other readers, as they develop their own informed personal responses. Students will express personal and creative arguments with literary texts, using associated concepts and terminology. Through the application and appreciation of literary criticism, they will analyse the ways in which meanings are shaped in literary texts, making thoughtful connections.

How will students be assessed?

Exam and Coursework

Exam (Paper1) 3 hours (Section C - open book) and worth 40% of A Level mark. One Shakespeare question, one unseen poetry response and one question comparing texts.

Exam (Paper 2) 2 hours and 30 minutes (Open book), worth 40% of A Level mark. One question on a set text, one question on an unseen extract and one question linking two set texts.

Non-Exam Assessment (coursework), worth 20% of A Level mark – independent study (2500 words) comparing two texts.

Differentiation

Students are given a selection of tasks based on exam texts. We encourage students to work independently and prepare much of the analysis of texts themselves. There is also the opportunity to work in small groups. One text for Non-Exam Assessment is chosen by the student.

Resources

Current Texts

‘The Great Gatsby’; ‘Othello’; AQA Poetry Anthology (pre-1900); texts linked to WW1 and its Aftermath: Birdsong, Wilfred Owen Poetry and The Wipers Times. Additionally, independently selected coursework text and a range of wider reading extracts to broaden their literary repertoire. Students will research critical opinions on-line and in print.