GCE Modern Languages: Irish January 2017 A2 Launch & Support GCE Modern Languages: Irish January 2017

Contacts: GCE Modern Languages Education Manager: Seán McNally [with overall responsibility for A level] Telephone: 028 90 261200 Ext 2325 Email: smcnally@ccea.org.uk Education Manager: Eileen Lisk Telephone: 028 90 261200 Ext 2255 Email: elisk@ccea.org.uk Subject Support Officer: Joan Jennings Telephone: 028 90 261200 Ext 2552 Email: jjennings@ccea.org.uk Specification, sample assessment and support materials available on the subject microsite at www.ccea.org.uk

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Working with CCEA The benefits: teacher cover/travel expenses provided [as appropriate] first-hand experience of how the examining system works user insight to the standards required for the assessment opportunity to examine assessments across a range of abilities improved learning and teaching outcomes creates links with CCEA personnel/subject officer/NICILT opportunity to network with other professionals provides recognition and enhances the professional development of teachers GCSE Revision of Specifications Launch events Feb/March Examiners and moderators are vital to the success of the examining system Teachers provide expert knowledge of the specification content Understanding of the capabilities of the candidature at a specific level

Specification and SAMs overview AS review Questions and Answers

GCE IRISH A2 NEW SPECIFICATION For first teaching in September 2017

A2 at a glance A2: 60% of A level A2 1: Speaking - 18% of A level A2 2: Reading - 24% of A level Section A: Listening Section B: Reading A2 3: Extended Writing - 18% of A level

A2 Subject content (1) Young People in Society part-time jobs education and employment career planning – aspirations and intentions young people and democracy European citizenship – advantages, disadvantages and opportunities societal attitudes and young people

A2 Subject content (2) Our Place in a Changing World equality/inequality and discrimination/prejudice poverty at home and abroad – causes, consequences and measures to combat it immigration and emigration - causes, benefits and related issues multicultural society and cultural identity – benefits and challenges causes, consequences and resolution of conflict sustainable living and environmental issues

Assessment Objectives There are four assessment objectives: AO1: understand and respond to spoken language (20%) AO2: understand and respond to written language (30%) AO3: manipulate the language accurately (30%) AO4: show knowledge and understanding of aspects of the culture/society of Irish speaking countries and communities (20%)

A2 1: Speaking This unit has two elements: an introduction (one minute) and discussion (5 minutes) based on an individual research project AO4: 30 marks AO3: 10 marks a general conversation (9 minutes) AO1: 25 marks

A2 1: Speaking What has changed One minute introduction to the discussion No film option for the discussion Marks awarded for AO4 in the discussion What hasn’t changed Cultural, historical or region options for the discussion General conversation

Introduction and Discussion The introduction should not last more than one minute. Candidates should not expect one question on each of the five headings on their summary sheet. The discussion should not consist of a series of mini-presentations. Candidates should engage with the question and avoid reeling off prepared material at a fast pace.

Conversation A general conversation that focuses on the A level themes at a level appropriate to A2. Candidates should develop their answers and endeavour to include opinions. Candidates should lead the conversation in a natural way by seizing opportunities to introduce favourite topics.

A2 2 Section A: Listening AO1: 25 marks 45 minutes Content Q1: QA in Irish – 10 marks Q2: QA in English – 15 marks What has changed Fewer questions/marks in Question 2

A2 2: Listening In Q1, candidates can use phrases from the spoken stimulus. There is no need to rephrase. A simple transcription of the stimulus will not be rewarded if it does not answer the question appropriately. Some answers do not have to be in full sentences. The Mark Scheme is an informative reference point.

A2 2 Section B: Reading AO2: 40 marks AO3: 35 marks 2 hours Content Q1: Gap-filling AO2: 10 marks Q2: QA in Irish AO2: 15 marks Q3: Summary in English AO2: 15 marks Q4: Translation into Irish AO3: 35 marks

A2 2 Section B: Reading What has changed No objective assessment task or synonyms New question: Summary from Irish into English (with a word limit of 100 words) Translation up to 130 words What hasn’t changed Gap-filling exercise

Gap-filling exercise 10 gaps and 15 possible words available. While this is a comprehension test only, it will also sometimes require candidates to pick the word/phrase that fits best in the sentence to show that comprehension has been achieved. Candidates should be able to identify the appropriate part of speech needed to complete a sentence.

Reading Comprehension Candidates answer in Irish. They are assessed according to the AO2 criterion only. There are no marks for AO3. Candidates may use phrases from the stimulus provided their response answers the question appropriately. The Mark Scheme is an informative reference point.

Summary There is a word limit of 100 words. The summary should be in good English (QWC is assessed in this question) Candidates can only access the top band if they cover the key points within the word limit. The Mark Scheme is an informative reference point.

Translation into Irish The translation tests grammatical structures and core vocabulary. Synoptic assessment is part of the specification so the vocabulary may be of a general nature. Synonyms are accepted but candidates should be careful of rephrasing or simplifying. Repeated or consequential errors are not penalised repeatedly.

A2 3: Extended Writing Content One essay response on a set text A02 (Understanding and Response) 35 marks AO4 (Knowledge of the text) 20 marks AO3 (Target Language) 20 marks One hour

A2 3: Extended Writing Texts Mac Labhraí (Ed): Anam na Teanga* Ó Tuairisc: Lá Fhéile Míchíl Ó Ríordáin/Ó Searcaigh/Ó Direáin/Mhac an tSaoi: A selection of poems * * See Appendix 4 of the Specification for the list of short stories/poems

A2 3: Extended Writing What has changed No word limit What hasn’t changed Each question has two open-ended options

A2 3: Extended Writing: AO2 The introduction should be short and relevant. Candidates should focus on the question and avoid story-telling or all-purpose responses. Candidates should plan their answer to avoid repetition or the introduction of irrelevant material. Structured answers following the plan will support candidates.

A2 3: Extended Writing: AO4 Candidates should illustrate their points with details from the text. Quotations are desirable but not essential. Quotations should be accurate and relevant.

A2 3: Extended Writing: AO3 There is no word limit. Short answers may be at risk under AO4 (not enough detailed knowledge). Candidates who write overlong answers may be at risk under AO2 (repetition and/or irrelevance). They may also be at risk under AO3 (basic errors).

Questions and Answers