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WelcomeA Level English Suite

A Level English Suite

• Introduction to OCR

• Introduction to English

• Why change to our specification?

• Support and training

• Next steps

Contents

About OCR

• Part of Europe’s largest assessment agency, Cambridge Assessment

• UK’s leading awarding body

• Over 13,000 centres choose our qualifications

• Qualifications are developed in consultation with teachers

Our Mission

Our commitment is to provide qualifications which engagelearners of all ages whether at school, college, in work and part time training

programmes so they achieve their full potential

make a difference

Practical Accessible Innovative and exciting

Our Credentials

• Leading the way with new ideas

• Dedicated to offering respected qualifications

• Engaging and relevant qualifications

• Comprehensive support framework

A Level English Suite

• A Level English Literature

• A Level English Language

• A Level English Language & Literature

Contents

English Suite | Credentials

• Developed in consultation with teachers and Heads of Department

• Expert handling of set texts

• Practical to deliver

• Respected and valued specifications in English

A Level English Literature

Key points in the specification

• Exciting coursework units offering opportunity to chose texts if you wish

• Option to study extracts of set texts• Opportunity for learners to return to

Shakespeare at A2• Understanding of the changing

traditions of English Literature

English Literature | Critical Texts

• Other Awarding Bodies insist on reading complete critical texts

• They also specifically examine the critical text in the exam

• This can cause classroom time to become squeezed

But with OCR there’s a more flexible approach…

English Literature | Critical Texts

• OCRs does not require learners to read specific critical texts

• Which makes life easier on your planning and teaching time

• Extracts can be used that are best suited to your learners

• There is no specific question set in the exam

• Our specification is less prescriptive

English Literature | AS Structure

F661: Poetry and Prose 1800–1945Learners study works of poetry and prose

ranging from Robert Frost to Edith Wharton. This unit develops critical literary skills,

promotes a greater understanding of the contexts in which texts are produced and

explores the variety of possible interpretations.

Teaching units and Assessment

method and weighting

F662: Literature Post – 1900 Through this study of modern literature

students learn to compare texts and gain confidence in their use of literary critical concepts and terminology. Learners have

the opportunity to select works ofindividual interest.

English Literature | A2 Structure

Teaching units and Assessment

method and weighting

F663: Drama and Poetry Pre–1800The study of Shakespeare is a key focus, as is the

study of a literary heritage text. This includes critical analysis of structure, form and meaning, and consideration

of others’ interpretations.

Learners are encouraged to compare and contrast texts across the works of authors writing from 1300-1800.

F664: Texts in TimeLearners develop research skills and synthesise their

knowledge and understanding in an extended individual study of literary texts across genres.

This unit gives learns an appreciation of the cultural and contextual influences upon readers and writers,

and the ways in which texts relate to literary traditions, movements and genres.

Stretch and Challenge

Stretch and Challenge is a new QCA initiative for A Levels:

• Included in A2 Assessment• Reflected in the style of questions asked which invite a greater variety of thinking• Questions are structured to show more connections between different sections of

the specification• Extended writing is encouraged in all subjects (except Maths)• A wider range of question types – like case studies and open ended questions• More synoptic assessments – exploring connections between different areas and

levels of a subject

A Level English Language

Key points in the specification

• ‘Language in the Media’ introduces multimodal texts

• Opportunity to use modern and engaging stimuli

• Opportunity to study language in a variety of contexts

• Freedom to choose texts in the coursework units

English Language | AS Structure

Teaching units and Assessment

method and weighting

F651: The Dynamics of SpeechThis unit focuses on the analysis of spoken

and written English, scripted and unscripted, by children and among different groups such as

friends, families, and national and local communities. It promotes a greater understanding

of language acquisition and social context.

F652: Texts and AudiencesLearners produce coursework for internal

assessment on the themes of audience and purpose, and the cultural context in which texts

are produced.

They can conduct a sustained individual study, examining language use, context and effect

across different modes.

English Language | A2 Structure

Teaching units and Assessment

method and weighting

F653: Culture, Language and IdentityThis unit explores issues surrounding dialect,

culture, power and identity, and enables a deeper understanding of stylistic variation.

F654: Language in MediaLearners have the opportunity to compare and

analyse texts from three different modes: spoken, written and multimodal.

They conduct a sustained study of language analysis and create their own writing.

A Level English Language

and Literature

Key points in the specification

• Study of communication• Stimulating range of texts• Favourite language aspects

combined with literary evaluation

• Literary analysis through creative engagement with a range of texts

English Language and Literature | AS Structure

Teaching units and Assessment

method and weighting

F671: Voices in TextThis unit explores the representation of

individual voices that create meaning in texts ranging from prose fiction to natural speech

transcripts.

F672: Changing TextsLearners explore creative techniques and

the ways in which literary texts are constantly being reinvented and

reinterpreted for different audiences and purposes.

English Language and Literature | A2 Structure

Teaching units and Assessment

method and weighting

F673: Voices and PowerThis unit focuses on the changing representation

of power relationships through the genre of drama.

F674: Connections Across TextsLearners have the freedom to choose influential or

culturally significant works which may fall outside the accepted literary canon. This enables them to study

topics of personal interest.

They conduct an analytical comparison of two drama texts and write their own creative piece. This helpsto develop and enhance their skills as producers

and interpreters of language.

What’s in it for you?

• Easy to administer• Rewarding to deliver• Flexibility in teaching texts to match your interests as well as

those of your students• Access to support networks including peers and examining team• Logical and enjoyable transition from GCSE minimising overlap,

but encouraging progression and development of skills

What’s in it for your learners?

• Enjoyable and motivational• Opportunity to study

popular texts alongside literary canon

• Take a break from Shakespeare at AS and revisit it at A2

• Stretch and challenge opportunities

What’s in it for your school?

• More learner enrolments

• Good progression routes into HE/FE

• Flexibility in curriculum planning and delivery

English Suite | Support

• Text books and teacher resources from Oxford University Press• More INSET than ever before• Overarching scheme of work and lesson plans• Coursework Consultancy Service• Established e-community

Next Steps

• Book training/events - www.ocr.org.uk/training

• Bookmark website for further information/future updates – www.ocr.org.uk

Other qualifications•GCSE English

•GCSE English Literature•GCSE Media Studies

•A Level Critical Thinking•A Level Media Studies