GCE English Literature Tuesday 13 November - Everglades Hotel, Derry Wednesday 14 November - Tullylagan Hotel, Cookstown Thursday 15 November - Stormont Hotel, Belfast pm

Agenda 1.00 pmWelcome and introduction 1.10 pmPowerPoint presentation 3.15 pmClose

All awarding bodies must conform to the rules of the Regulatory Authorities. The shelf life of any specification is five years. Why revise specifications?

Specification content and assessment must reflect the needs of learners and the society, economy and environment in which they live and work.

Why revise specifications? Our aim is to provide teachers, lecturers and tutors with top-class qualifications that are refreshingly relevant, stimulating and rewarding for their learners.

The process of revision Key activities have included: Identification of specification criteria in collaboration with QCA and all other UK regulatory bodies. Communication with stakeholders keeping them informed and asking for their involvement.

Consultation Phase 1 Online consultation with teachers on our current specifications Phase 2 Online consultation with teachers on our revised specifications Subject Specific Focus Groups Subject Advisory Teams

Key changes A reduction in the assessment burden (from 6 units to 4 units). New opportunities for stretch and challenge in the A2 units – evident in specimen papers and mark schemes. The introduction of an A* grade.

English Literature changes AOs reorganised Raw and uniform mark parity Only 1 unit of coursework Continuity of content with current spec while offering opportunity for change A2 synoptic element

English Literature 4 units – 1 internally assessed, 3 externally examined AS 1 – internally assessed » 80 marks - 20% AS 2 – examination » 120 marks - 30% A2 1 – examination » 100 marks - 25% A2 2 – examination » 100 marks - 25%

English Literature AOs Revised Spec AO1 – articulate creative, informed and relevant responses to literary texts, using appropriate terminology and concepts, and coherent and accurate written expression; AO2 – demonstrate detailed critical understanding in analysing the ways in which structure, form and language shape meanings in literary texts; AO3 – explore connections and comparisons between different literary texts, informed by interpretations of other readers; AO4 – demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of the contexts in which literary texts are written and received. Current Spec AO1 - clearly communicate the knowledge, understanding and insight appropriate to literary study, using appropriate terminology and accurate and coherent written expression; AO2(i) - respond with knowledge and understanding to literary texts of different types and periods (ii) exploring and commenting on relationships and comparisons between literary texts; AO3 - show detailed understanding of the ways in which writers’ choices of form, structure and language shape meanings; AO4 - articulate independent opinions and judgements, informed by different interpretations of literary texts by different readers; AO5 (i) - show understanding of the contexts in which literary texts are written and understood and (ii) evaluate the significance of cultural, historical and other contextual influences on literary texts and study.

English Literature AS 1: Internal assessment – folder will consist of 2 pieces Section A – Study of Shakespeare AO2 & AO4: Critical understanding & context Critical analysis while placing play in context: eg theme, structure, dramatic techniques, characterisation

English Literature AS 1 Section B – Study of a C20th Dramatist AO1 & AO3: Creative, informed response & connections and comparisons Creative or personal informed response to the study of 2 plays by the chosen dramatist

English Literature AS 2 – Examination, 2 questions, 60 marks each Section A – Study of paired post 1800 poets AO1, AO2 and AO3: informed response, critical understanding & comparison. 1 question on each pair of poets. Open book. Based on a common theme.

English Literature AS 2 Section B – Study of Prose AO1, AO3, AO4: Informed response, other interpretations & context. 1 question from a choice of 2 set on each text. Response to a statement on the text. Closed book.

English Literature A2 1 - Examination, 2 questions, 50 marks each Section A – Study of Poetry AO1, AO2 & AO4: Informed response, critical understanding & context. 1 question from choice of 2 set on each text. Closed book, extract or poem provided. Poetic methods used to convey a theme/ viewpoint.

English Literature A2 1 Section B – Study of Drama AO1, AO2, AO3 & AO4: Informed response, critical understanding, other interpretations, context. 1 question. Response to a statement on both texts, comparing and contrasting. Closed book.

English Literature A2 2 – Examination, 2 questions, 50 marks each. Theme based study of prose. Section A – Study of post 1990 prose AO1 & AO2: Informed response & critical understanding. 1 extract based question – analysis and evaluation of writer’s methods. Open book. ‘Unseen’ skills

English Literature A2 2 Section B – Theme based prose study AO1, AO2, AO3 & AO4. 1 question. Closed book. Response to statement linked to the theme on the two texts studied. Comparison and contrast required.

Our support programme Autumn 2007 – Winter 2009 Launch events (Nov 2007) Subject specific support days AS January 2008 In preparation for teaching AS in September 2008 A2 January 2009 – March 2009 In preparation for teaching A2 in September 2009

Our support programme contd. Exemplification of standards AS September – November 2009 A2 September – November 2010

Our support programme contd November 2007 – March 2010 Online Support Unit guidance available on Agendas for Study available on Student Guides available on

Our commitment to you In person A local team fully committed to supporting you Accessible subject officers and specification support officers Tailored guidance from a subject specialist Centre visits on request

Our commitment to you contd Online Support Subject specific microsites The revised specification Exemplar papers and mark schemes Agendas for study Student guides Chief Examiner reports

Contact details Officer with Subject Responsibility Majella Corrigan(028) ext 2200 Specification Support Officer Lisa McMahon(028) Examination Entries Barbara Clarke(028) Distribution Bernard Trainor(028) ext 2168