AQA-2740-W-SP-14

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GCE English Literature A for exams from June 2014 onwards (version 1.4)4.5 Synoptic Assessment and Stretch and ChallengeSynoptic Assessment in English Literature A isassessed in the A2 units via:1. Coursework• An extended essay requiring the selection ofappropriate texts including a Shakespeareplay; research, discussion and choice of task;organisation and planning; sustained writingand discussion of genre, context and alternativeinterpretations.2. Examination• The questions on the Unit 3 paper requirecandidates to apply their knowledge andunderstanding of literature through time (Chaucerto the present day), across genre and gender,as well as their skills of analysis, interpretation,comparison and connection and evaluation tounprepared extracts drawn from all three genresand linked by the theme of love.• Both close and wide reading are required aswell as the ability to apply knowledge andunderstanding of the contexts of literature tospecific unprepared texts.The requirement that Stretch and Challenge isincluded at A2 is met by:• accessible questions that will be open tocandidates of all abilities but offering appropriateopportunities to the most able• the use of a variety of stems in questions –“explore”, “comment on the ways”, “write acomparison” and “consider”• connectivity between sections of questions• the requirement for extended writing in allquestions and especially the extended essay inthe coursework• the use of a range of question types – thecomparative study in coursework as well asthe examination questions are all open answerquestions where the candidate will assembleappropriate material and structure the question.• the ways the synoptic paper (unit 3) requirescandidates to refer to and make use of knowledgeand understanding of literature across the ages,genres, and gender to support their responsesto the unprepared extracts. It also requirescandidates to use all the relevant skill areas.44.6 Access to Assessment for Disabled StudentsAS/A Levels often require assessment of a broaderrange of competences. This is because theyare general qualifications and, as such, preparecandidates for a wide range of occupations andhigher level courses.The revised AS/A Level qualification and subjectcriteria were reviewed to identify whether any of thecompetences required by the subject presented apotential barrier to any disabled candidates. If thiswas the case, the situation was reviewed again toensure that such competences were included onlywhere essential to the subject. The findings of thisprocess were discussed with disability groups andwith disabled people.Reasonable adjustments are made for disabledcandidates in order to enable them to access theassessments. For this reason, very few candidateswill have a complete barrier to any part of theassessment.Candidates who are still unable to access a significantpart of the assessment, even after exploring allpossibilities through reasonable adjustments, may stillbe able to receive an award. They would be given agrade on the parts of the assessment they have takenand there would be an indication on their certificatethat not all the competences have been addressed.Reading independenlty may be problematic for somestudents but should not be a barrier to assessment.This will be kept under review and may be amendedin the future.27
GCE English Literature A for exams from June 2014 onwards (version 1.4)5 Administration5.1 Availability of Assessment Units and CertificationAfter June 2013, examinations and certification forthis specification are available in June only.5.2 EntriesPlease refer to the current version of EntryProcedures and Codes for up to date entryprocedures. You should use the following entrycodes for the units and for certification.Unit 1 – LTA1A or LTA1B or LTA1CUnit 2 – LITA2Unit 3 – LITA3Unit 4 – LITA4AS certification – 1741A Level certification – 27415.3 Private CandidatesThis specification is available to private candidates.As we will no longer provide supplementary guidancein hard copy, see our website for guidance andinformation on taking exams and assessments as aprivate candidate:www.aqa.org.uk/exams-administration/entries/private-candidates.Arrangements must be agreed with AQA for theassessment and authentication of coursework.55.4 Access Arrangements and Special ConsiderationWe have taken note of equality and discriminationlegislation and the interests of minority groups indeveloping and administering this specification.We follow the guidelines in the Joint Councilfor Qualifications (JCQ) document: AccessArrangements, Reasonable Adjustments andSpecial Consideration: General and VocationalQualifications. This is published on the JCQ website(http://www.jcq.org.uk) or you can follow the linkfrom our website (http://www.aqa.org.uk).Access ArrangementsWe can make arrangements so that candidateswith disabilities can access the assessment. Thesearrangements must be made before the examination.For example, we can produce a Braille paper for acandidate with a visual impairment.Special ConsiderationWe can give special consideration to candidates whohave had a temporary illness, injury or indisposition atthe time of the examination. Where we do this, it isgiven after the examination.Applications for access arrangements and specialconsideration should be submitted to AQA by theExaminations Officer at the centre.28
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AQA-2740-W-SP-14

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