Key Stage 5

English Language AS/A2 (AQA)

Outline of Course Content:

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to language study. Students have the opportunity to develop their own writing skills whilst learning about how language works and why we use it in the ways that we do.

English Language requires and encourages students to develop their interests in and enjoyment of English, through learning about its structures, functions, variations and development. They encounter a varied range of reading and examples of spoken language and develop their skills in critical thinking and linguistic analysis.

Course Structure

AS Level

• Unit 1 Categorising Texts
• Unit 2 Creating Texts

A2 Level

• Unit 3 Developing Language
• Unit 4 Investigating Language

Unit 1: Students are introduced to the principles of Linguistics, learning about the analytical frameworks used in English Language study, applying them to both written and spoken language. Three topics are studied in year 12 - Language and Gender, Language and Technology, Language and Occupational Groups, Accents and Dialects of the British Isles, Language and Power.

Unit 2: Students study stylistics and the work of a range of writers and text types. They then have to produce two pieces of writing on different topics for different purposes and audiences. Types of writing are drawn from a wide range of genres. They also produce ‘commentaries' which explain and justify their stylistic choices as writers. A flair for writing and being widely read in a wide range of fiction and non-fiction genres is essential!

Unit 3: Two topics are studied in this unit. Language Change Over Time tracks the development of English right up to the ever changing language of the present day and the varied factors that influence and cause change. Language Acquisition teaches students about the development of children's speaking, reading and writing.

Unit 4: This unit gives students the exciting opportunity to undertake their own Linguistic Investigation. Students collect and analyse data, drawing conclusions using their linguistic knowledge and finally publish their findings.

Careers and higher/further education

This course provides an excellent basis for anyone wanting to go on to study Language, Linguistics or Literature at degree level. The course is data based and analytical in nature and is therefore also applicable to scientific subjects such as Psychology. This course will be useful for anyone interested in a career in Media such as broadcasting, advertising and journalism. It also has wider relevance to those interested in Law, Education, Sociology and much more.

 

English Literature AS/A2 (AQA)

Outline of Course Content:

The course is built around a specific ‘Area of Study' which will influence the choice of texts in both units. The likely choice for next year will be either "Victorian Literature" or "The Struggle for Identity in Modern Literature".

AS Level Unit 1

Study of one poetry set text and also read the equivalent of three other texts in order to prepare for the exam. The exam will contain two sections: a question on an extract from the area of study in which students will have to link their wider reading to the focus of the specific passage, and a question on the poetry set text.

AS level Unit 2

Students will study two set texts, one prose and one drama, from a list provided by the exam board, and will then complete two coursework tasks.

A2 Level Unit 3

"Love through the Ages". Students read the equivalent of three complete texts in preparation for the exam, which will be based on several unseen extracts.

A2 Level Unit 4

Coursework module divided into two tasks: an extended essay (3000 words) comparing two texts of any genre of the students own choice, and a 100 word analysis of a passage from the chosen Shakespeare play.

Outline of course content

This course will require a great deal of wider reading on the student's part, going beyond what will be covered in the classroom. A full range of texts (prose, poetry and drama) will be covered, which provide students with a good foundation in the subject should they wish to pursue it beyond A Level. In addition to the skills of close reading and analysis, comparing texts, and considering the contexts in which texts are produced, students will need to demonstrate self-motivation, good organisational skills, and a willingness to discuss and share their ideas with others. The new course structure is aimed to provide more balance and engage the interest of students, but the amount of determination and effort required to succeed should not be underestimated!

Careers and higher/further education

An A Level in English Literature is an excellent foundation for a wide range of courses at university, developing both analytical and communication skills. The ability to clearly articulate complex ideas and responses to demanding texts is a skill that is transferable to a range of different disciplines and contexts, and one that is highly valued by higher education providers and employers alike.

 

AS/A2 Media Studies (AQA)

Outline of course content

Media at A Level will enhance students' enjoyment and application of the media and its role in their everyday lives. Students will explore the impact that new media technologies have on our everyday lives. They will also have the opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge through practical production. Students will need an active interest in the cultural and political world around them.

AS Level

MEST1 ‘Investigating Media'

This is an exam based module which involves reading a range of media texts and applying the key concepts of Representation, Media Institutions, Media Language, Values and Ideology and Media Audiences. Students will work on two topics from the following list: Broadcast and film fiction, Documentary and hybrid forms, Lifestyle, Music, News and Sport

MEST2'Creating Media'

In this module students will produce two linked media artefacts. This could include making a cinema trailer and television advertisements; designing web pages and a moving image advert intended for distribution via mobile phones; or writing a range of magazine features and a series of public service campaign advertisements. Students will be assessed on their production skills and on their knowledge and understanding shown in their evaluations. Examples of students' coursework will be up shortly to view.

A2 Level MEST3 ‘Critical Perspectives'

This is an exam-based module in which students will demonstrate their understanding of ideas and debates currently within the media. Each student will produce a case study for each topic: Representation in the Media and The impact of new/digital media.

MEST4 ‘Critical Investigation'

Coursework unit based on a critical investigation of a media theme or text and realise a production piece reflecting this research. For example a student could investigate gender representation in soaps and their production piece could be the opening sequence for an episode of a new soap. Another example would be investigating Japanese Anime and creating a trailer for a new Anime film.