1. GCE English Literature Support Events 4,5 and 6 March 2009

2. Agenda 9.15 Registration. 10.00 Introduction – Majella. 10.15 Review of AOs in A2 Modules – Chief Examiner 11.15 A2 1 Section B: DRAMA Teaching and examining ‘Tragedy’. Heaney: The Burial at Thebes (Translation of Sophocles’ Antigone) & Shakespeare: King Lear. 11.45AS2: Review of sample exam responses. 12.15 LUNCH.

3. Agenda 1.00 A2 2 Section B: THEMED NOVELS: TASK 1: In groups, identify and discuss key issues associated with the theme you have chosen. Formulate three exam questions based on these discussions. 2.00General discussion of formulated exam questions. 2.15A2 2 Section A: Close analysis of an extract from a ‘skimmed’ novel TASK 2: Read the extract provided and, using the headings given in the question (Themes, Point of View, Situation, Characterisation, Language, Tone), indicate the specific narrative features you would wish to emphasise if you were teaching the text in light of the question asked. 3.00Questions (AS, GCSE changes, etc please feel free to stay behind and ask). 3.15Close.

4. Stretch and challenge Regulatory requirement QCA guidance: fewer structured questions; more open-ended questions which require the response to be constructed by the candidate; understanding and connectivity to be tested through synoptic questions; and more extended writing.

5. Award of A* An A* will be awarded to the candidates who: attain an overall grade A in the qualification; and an aggregate of at least 90% of the uniform marks across the A2 units.

6. GCE Overview UnitAssessment FormatDurationWeightings and Marks Availability A2 1: Study of Poetry 1300-1800 & Drama Closed book examination: two questions. Section A: one question on poetry text (resource booklet provided). Section B: one question on a pair of drama texts 2 hours100 marks 50% A2 25% A Level January & summer A2 2: Study of Prose – theme based Examination: two questions. Section A: one question - close analysis of extract from chosen text (open book). Section B: one question on pair of novels on the same theme chosen for Question 1 2 hours100 marks 50% A2 25% A Level Summer

7. English Literature A2 1 - Examination, 2 questions, 50 marks each Section A – Study of Poetry 1300 -1800 [spec p.10, papers p.10-24, m scheme p.64-79] AO1 informed response, AO2 critical understanding & AO4 context. 1 question from choice of 2 on each text. Closed book, extract or poem provided. Poetic methods used to convey a theme/ viewpoint. Section B – Study of Drama [spec p.11, papers p.12-13, m scheme p.82-94] AO1 informed response, AO2 critical understanding, AO3 other interpretations, AO4 context. 1 question. Closed book. Response to a statement on both texts, comparing and contrasting. Context required will reflect focus of question

8. English Literature A2 2 – Examination, 2 questions, 50 marks each. Theme based study of prose. Section A – Study of post 1990 prose [spec p.12, papers p.26-27, m scheme p.98-105] AO1 informed response & AO2 critical understanding. 1 extract based question – analysis and evaluation of writer’s methods. Open book (clean copy). ‘Unseen’ skills Section B – Theme based prose study [spec p.13, papers p.28, m scheme p.108-119] AO1, AO2, AO3 & AO4. 1 question. Closed book. Response to statement on the two texts studied linked to theme. Comparison and contrast required.

9. Support materials Online Support on www.ccea.org.ukwww.ccea.org.uk The revised specification (updated Feb 09 – poems A2 2) Exemplar papers and mark schemes Student guides Subject specific microsite www.ccea.org.uk/english_literature www.ccea.org.uk/english_literature Agendas for Study for each choice CRS and mark grids Podcasts – chief examiner’s online Chief Examiner reports

11. Local support A local team fully committed to supporting you; Accessible subject officers and specification support officers; Tailored guidance from a subject specialist; and Centre visits on request.

12. Support cont’d Exemplification of standards at grade level – after first award AS September – November 09 A2 September – November 10 Sample answers – January AS2 – examples of performance at band descriptors (cannot give grades until candidates work is finally awarded at cash-in.) Coursework titles list AS2 – October 09.

13. Staying informed For information on all our support events go to www.ccea.org.ukwww.ccea.org.uk Click on the Events icon (top left)

15. Opportunities in Examining Qualification comprises of:- Internal assessment - Marked by teacher Moderated by CCEA by randomly selected sample External assessment - written examination paper Marked by CCEA Opportunities in Examining:- Assistant Examiners Moderators Visiting moderators Irish medium Top Team

16. Contacts Officer with subject responsibility: Email: mcorrigan@ccea.org.ukmcorrigan@ccea.org.uk Telephone: 028 90 261200 #2200 Specification Support Officer: Eimear Dolan: edolan@ccea.org.ukedolan@ccea.org.uk Telephone: 028 90 261439 Distribution: nstewart@ccea.org.uknstewart@ccea.org.uk Moderation: gallen@ccea.org.ukgallen@ccea.org.uk

17. Revised AOs 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.

18. A2 2 Section B: Task Gather in groups according to the theme you have chosen for A2 2. Identify and discuss the key issues associated with this theme. Formulate three exam questions based on these discussions.

19. A2 2 Section A: Task The Outsider: The Butcher Boy By close analysis of the given extract, taking account of the themes developed, narrative point of view, situation, characterisation, language and tone, show how effective you think the excerpt below is in presenting a picture of young Francie Brady as an outsider. The extract begins on page 43 with the words, I don’t know what time it was when I went round to Nugent’s backyard. It ends on page 47 with … then on he went.