Prospectus - Helston Community College

AS/A LEVEL / Exam Board: AQA - Syllabus B
English
Literature
IS THIS COURSE FOR ME?
You love reading and have enjoyed studying texts in depth for GCSE. You want to learn more
about the process of writing, how different texts ‘work’ and how writers from different eras
develop their themes and styles. You will have the commitment to read widely and explore
the authors and their work in detail. You enjoy discussing issues and can write well.
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED?
Good grades (A or B) in English, Literature
or Media Studies at GCSE. It is not essential
to have studied Literature.
WHAT DOES THE COURSE INVOLVE?
At AS Level you will examine Aspects of
Narrative. You will study four texts: two
post-1990 novels and two examples of
poetry from 1800-1945. The focus will be
on narrative method. You will also look at
Dramatic Genres, looking at the treatment
of comedy as a genre. This will involve the
study of two plays, one of which will be by
Shakespeare
At A2 level you will study Texts and Genres,
focusing on at least two texts one of which
will be from the period 1300-1800, with a
focus on Gothic Literature.The final module
will be a study of four texts, one of which
will be a pre-released anthology of critical
writing designed to get you to explore
themes in a more independent way.
HOW WILL MY WORK BE ASSESSED?
At AS: One open book exam of two hours
involving two questions, covering the prose
and poetry elements outlined above. There
will also be a coursework component in
which you produce a portfolio of two pieces
of written work on the dramatic theme of
comedy.
At A2: One closed book exam of two hours
dealing with either the Gothic or Pastoral
themes. Also, a coursework component
involving the study of at least four texts
leading to a portfolio of two pieces of
written work
WHAT CAN I DO AFTERWARDS?
In addition to leading to undergraduate
courses in English and English Literature,
English A-Level is very highly regarded as
a key qualification for a very wide range of
careers and other University courses.
Level 3 AS/A Level Courses
Rory went to
University of Exeter
English
AS/A LEVEL / Exam Board: Edexcel
Extended Project
Qualification
IS THIS COURSE FOR ME?
The Level 3 Extended Projects aim to support learners with the transition to Higher
Education or into the world of work. It provides opportunities for the development of
critical, reflective, problem-solving and independent learning skills through the planning,
research and evaluation of a self-selected project. Students who study the EPQ would
normally do so in addition to their 4 AS level subjects.
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED?
Students studying this qualification must
have a C or above in Maths and English and
a further 3 GCSE’s at a minimum grade C,
especially if you are planning to go on to
higher education.
WHAT DOES THE COURSE INVOLVE?
Throughout their in-depth study, learners
will develop and apply skills creatively,
resulting in one of the four following
project outcomes:
> An extended project
> An investigation report
> A performance
> An artefact
Learners have the opportunity to choose
their own field of study and will be guided
by a Project Supervisor. The skills required
to complete the project will be taught
through the study skills programme and
through tailored lessons throughout the
project.
The Extended Project is equivalent to
Advanced Subsidiary (AS) qualification and
is graded A* to E and requires 120 Guided
Learning Hours. It attracts the same UCAS
points as any AS with the exception of
additional points for the A* grade which
cannot be normally attained at AS level.
HOW WILL MY WORK BE ASSESSED?
The EPQ is not examined but initially
internally assessed followed by an external
review. The assessment includes a log book
and a presentation of the final work.
WHAT CAN I DO AFTERWARDS?
The EPQ is valued highly by both
universities and employers.
Visit www.helston.cornwall.sch.uk/sixth-form
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