Qualifications: GCE A Level

Exam Board: AQA

Entry Requirements: 5 GCSEs at grades A*-C including Maths. Grade 6 or above in GCSE English Language and Grade 6 or above in GCSE English Literature.

Overview

A Level English Language and Literature involves students in the study of both literary and non-literary texts. Students will develop new approaches to the ways in which texts are analysed, through the acquisition of a wide range of technical vocabulary. They will develop their ability to use linguistic frameworks to analyse texts and will also learn to write in a range of forms and styles for different audiences and purposes. As the course progresses, students will study a range of poetry, prose and drama, examining the ways in which writers use language for different effects. Students will also study modern non-literary media texts and will investigate how spoken language differs from the written word. The course is assessed through two open book exams; students will be asked to respond to extracts from the set texts they have studied and to relate them to the whole texts from which they are taken. In addition, students will undertake a coursework assignment investigating their own choice of texts.

What will I learn?

A Level Paper 1: Telling Stories

You will study a prose text focussing on genre and viewpoint and explore how these shape the reader’s response. In addition you will study the work of a specified poet, examining how poetic voice is used to represent the world. You will study an anthology of non-literary and media texts that are linked to the city of Paris in order to develop the ability to compare texts using linguistic terminology. You will learn to write analytical essays using a range of literary and linguistic terms and to write in various styles, registers and voices.

A Level Paper 2: Exploring Conflict

To prepare for this exam you will learn to write creatively for a number of different audiences using different styles and registers. You will be asked to produce a piece of creative writing based on the prose text you have studied and then to comment on your own linguistic decisions. You will also study a drama text and respond to an analytical question about it.

Non-exam assessment: Making Connections

You will undertake a personal investigation that explores a specific technique or theme in both literary and non-literary texts. The choice of text will be agreed in consultation with your teacher.

How will I learn?

Lessons are designed to encourage active student participation. Discussion and group or individual presentations are regular features. Students should be prepared to talk about their own responses to texts and consider alternative interpretations. In order to be successful, it is important that students read widely beyond the set texts and are prepared to increase the range of their personal reading. Above all, the course aims to allow students to develop as critical thinkers and to foster a fascination with the way the English language works.

Where could it lead?

English is a subject that demands flexible thinking skills and a fluent writing style. It is therefore an asset in all areas of further study and training. It is a good basis from which to study areas such as law, journalism and medicine.

Contact Paul Hibbard: Raising Standards Leader                            phibbard@kingedwardvi.devon.sch.uk

Qualifications: GCE A Level

Exam Board: AQA

Entry Requirements: Grade 6 or above in GCSE English Language and Grade 6 or above in GCSE English Literature.

Overview

A Level English Literature includes the study of a range of literature including both modern and pre-twentieth century texts. The A Level course is initially anchored by the central theme of ‘Love through the Ages’ and students will study a range of texts from the genres of poetry, prose and drama. In year two of the course the focus shifts to the study of modern literature written post 1945. The course engenders a sense of the development of English literature over time through the placing of texts within their contexts. Students are encouraged to read widely around the thematic focus in order to gain a wider perspective on the history of literature. The course is assessed through two exams and an extended coursework essay.

What will I learn?

Paper 1: Love through the Ages.

You will study a Shakespeare play focussing on the ways in which the theme of love is explored through language and dramatic technique. You will also study one prose and one poetry text, one of which must have been written pre-1900 and one post-1900. The exam will ask you to relate a printed extract from your studied play to the play as a whole. You will learn to respond to unseen poetry and to compare prose and poetry texts as both skills will be tested in the exam.

Paper 2: Texts in Shared Contexts.  Modern times: Literature from 1945 to the present day.

You will study three texts: one prose, one poetry, and one drama, of which one must be written post-2000. The exam will test your ability to compare texts and to respond to unseen texts in addition to responding to individual texts in a detailed manner.

Non-exam assessment: Independent Critical Study: Texts across Time.

You will undertake a comparative critical study of two texts, at least one of which must have been written pre-1900. You will choose your texts in consultation with your teacher in order to produce an extended essay of 2500 words together with a supporting bibliography.

How will I learn?

Lessons are designed to encourage active student participation. Discussion and group or individual presentations are regular features. Students should be prepared to talk about their own responses to texts and consider alternative interpretations. A genuine interest in reading a range of texts is essential if you are to enjoy the course and succeed. Students are expected to support the study of set texts with extensive background reading.

Where could it lead?

English is a subject that demands flexible thinking skills and a fluent writing style.  It is therefore an asset in all areas of further study and training. It is a good basis from which to study areas such law, journalism and medicine.

Contact Paul Hibbard: Raising Standards Leader                            phibbard@kingedwardvi.devon.sch.uk

Qualifications: GCE AS/A2 Level

Exam Board: WJEC

Entry Requirements: Grade 6 or above in English.

Overview

If you have a passion for film and want to develop a closer understanding of film language, theory and the film industry, then this is the course for you. Film Studies focuses entirely on the study of film, whilst exploring the impact of the social, historical and political context on its production by studios and reception by audiences.

What will I learn?

Unit 1 – FM1: Exploring Film Form: this unit is assessed via coursework and consists of two sections

• An analysis of how micro aspects of a chosen extract from a film produce meaning and responses
• A creative project based on a film sequence or short film with a reflective

Unit 2 – FM2: British & American Film (30%):  this unit is a two and a half hour written exam split into three sections, candidates having to answer one question from each section

• Section A: Response to stimulus set by exam board on producers and audiences of film
• Section B: Topics in British Film
• Section C: US Film – comparative study of two films

Unit 3 – FM3: Film Research & Creative Projects: this unit is assessed via coursework and consists of two sections

• A small-scale research project
• A creative project with a reflective analysis

Unit 4 – FM4: Varieties of Film Experience: Issues & Debates : this unit is a 2 hour and 45 minutes written exam split into three sections, candidates having to answer one question from each section

• Section A: World Cinema topics
• Section B: Spectatorship topics
• Section C: Single Film – Critical Study

How will I learn?

In addition to learning about theoretical concepts via lessons involving group work, paired analysis and discussion of specific theories and debates, you will also create films using HD cameras and a range of professional editing programs such as The Adobe Suite and Final Cut Pro.

Where could it lead?

An A Level in Film Studies demonstrates your ability to analyse and discuss form and content, issues and ideas. These are highly prized skills relevant to a range of career options. Those intending to continue into higher education will find it of particular relevance to arts and humanities subjects. Opportunities in a variety of careers in film and arts industries can be opened up via this course.

Contact Duncan Chilton: Raising Standards Leader                       dchilton@kingedwardvi.devon.sch.uk

Qualifications: GCE AS/A2 Level

Exam Board: AQA

Entry Requirements: GCSE at grade 6-9 in English.

Overview

In a world where most of our information and entertainment comes from the television, cinema, the Internet and other multimedia technologies, this course aims to develop an understanding of the role and influence of mass media in our lives, culture and society.You already have a great deal of knowledge. This course helps you to shape this knowledge into an understanding of how the media constructs messages and communicates these to its audience. Media courses consist of a combination of theoretical and practical work, studying a range of media – television and radio, film and video, newspapers and magazines, popular music, computer games and the Internet. During the course of the year, you could find yourself; analysing a film or television programme; learning how to create a website; comparing the different ways in which a country is represented in a charity poster, a travel brochure or magazine article or making a short video or print text.

What will I learn?

In a typical week you could find yourself analysing a film or television programme, studying magazines or deconstructing an advertisement. More importantly, you will learn about the power that the media exerts on society and how everyone is influenced by it, both positively and negatively. The Media arguably influences politics more than politics influences the Media.

Units include:

• investigating media
• creating media

• media: critical perspectives
• media: research and production

How will I learn?

You will work in small groups, whole class or individually depending on the task. You may already have studied GCSE Media Studies, although this is not a requirement. A level  Media is a more advanced theoretical study of a range of media texts. You will study the key concepts of narrative, genre, representation and audience. You will explore the ways in which all mass produced media texts are influenced by institutional and ideological values and beliefs and come to understand in more depth the language of visual and verbal texts. Your study of the media will continue to develop over the duration of each course and thus understanding will come from a combination of theoretical analysis and practical production.  

Where could it lead?

This is a popular course which attracts a range of students. Many students have continued with Media Studies at degree level and all gained places at top universities. Several students’ projects were selected for inclusion in the Bradford Museum of Media’s National Young People’s Film Festival.

We are now in an age of affordable multimedia technology and increased numbers of independent production companies.  Because your course combines theory and practical, there is a wide range of courses on offer at undergraduate level.

Contact Duncan Chilton: Raising Standards Leader                       dchilton@kingedwardvi.devon.sch.uk