Peter KirkbrideCoomb Road, Great Oakley, Corby, Northamptonshire NN18 8LA t 01536 396366 f 01536 396867Peter KirkbrideCoomb Road, Great Oakley, Corby, Northamptonshire NN18 8LA t 01536 396366 f 01536 396867The ability to communicate effectively in both speech and writing is a necessity for everyone in all aspects of life, not just for those students who are considering reading English at university. A levels in English and Media Studies encourage students to explore the different ways in which we communicate meaning. Our courses enable students to develop their critical and analytical reading and research skills; skills that are valid and important in any profession. We view A Levels as an opportunity for students to become independent learners who have the courage and conviction to have individual views. In all the courses we offer, we challenge our students to be creative thinkers and active participators; speaking and listening skills are an essential aspect of all the A Levels we offer.
| Exam Board | AQA |
| Assessment | Examination and Coursework |
| Overview | This AS and A-level English Language specification will enable students to build on the skills they've developed at GCSE by engaging creatively and critically with a wide range of texts and discourses. The course will enable development of a range of different skills such as data analysis, discursive essays, directed writing, original writing and research-based investigative writing. The skills taught include critical reading, data analysis, evaluation, the ability to develop and sustain arguments and a number of different writing skills which are invaluable for both further study and future employment. It is important for students considering this option to understand that the course is considered a social science with accompanying theory and discussion. |
| Units studied |
A2 Paper 1: Language, the Individual and Society - written exam of 2 hours 30 minutes and is worth 40% of the A level grade. A2 Paper 2: Language Diversity and Change - written exam of 2 hours and 30 minutes and is worth 40% of the A level grade. A2 Non-exam assessment - Language in Action - assessed by teachers and moderated by AQA. It is 20% of the A level. |
| Future pathways | This course is particularly suitable for those students who wish to study English Language, Linguistics or English Studies in higher education. An A Level qualification in English Language is useful for students aiming to pursue a career in publishing, teaching, journalism and the media. Some areas which have traditionally attracted English Language students include advertising, marketing and PR, arts administration, library and information management, the legal profession and even speech therapy. |
| Exam Board | AQA Lit A |
| Assessment | Examination and Coursework |
| Overview | This two year course encourages students to develop interest in and enjoyment of English Literature, through reading extensively and widely, as well as critically and independently - across centuries, genre and gender. Students are expected to purchase numerous books and critical material over the course and also see a range of dramatic performances to enhance their experience of the texts and contexts in which the works were conceived or adapted. Students will be given audits per term of tasks to complete and a comprehensive reading list which they are expected read either with their teacher or as independent study. |
| Units studied |
A2 Paper 1: Love through the Ages - Poetry and Prose 3 hour written exam and is worth 40% of the A level grade. A2 Paper 2B: Modern Times: Literature from 1945 to the Present Day - Poetry, Prose and Drama - 2 hour 30 minute written exam worth 40% of the A level grade. A2 Non-exam assessment - Independent Critical Study: Texts across Time - Assessed by teachers and moderated by AQA. Worth 20% of the A level. |
| Future pathways | Students of English literature go on to study a wide range of subjects at degree level including English literature, English language, performing arts, history, journalism, philosophy, law, sociology and media studies. Many students find that their A Level in English Literature helps them to gain a career in publishing, teaching, journalism, and literary criticism. Some areas which have traditionally attracted English Literature students include advertising, marketing and PR, arts administration, library and information management, the legal profession and the media. |
| Exam Board | OCR |
| Assessment | Examination and Coursework |
| Overview | With a focus on innovation, creativity and enterprise, this two year course seeks to ensure that students have a full understanding of the new media which dominate the contemporary landscape by enabling students to use and produce such media in their coursework. |
| Units studied |
Unit 1: G321 Foundation Portfolio in Media (25% of total A2 marks) - coursework Unit 2: G322 Key Media Concepts (TV Drama) (25% of total A2 marks) - examination is 2 hours Unit 3: G324 Advanced Portfolio in Media (25% of total A2 marks) - coursework Unit 4: G325 Critical Perspectives in Media (25% of total A2 marks) - examination is 2 hours |
| Future pathways | Students of Media Studies go on to study a wide range of subjects at degree level including: Media and Communication, English, Cultural Studies, History, Film Studies, Film Production, Journalism, Marketing and more. An A Level in Media Studies opens up many opportunities to gain a career in advertising, marketing, web design, journalism, radio, television and new media. |