Course at a glance
Examining Board: Edexcel
Next Examination Period: May / June 2023
Exam Specification Code: 8ELO
Coursework Element: Yes
Practical Element: None
Course Fee Includes: Online course materials and tutor support. Additional materials available at extra cost.
Edexcel A Levels are available for study anywhere in the world. Examinations can be taken at any registered examination centre in the world. It is recommended students check with examining centres that the chosen exam is available.
Introduction
The AS English Language and Literature specification requires students to undertake a varied programme of study so that they show knowledge and understanding of:
a range of spoken and written texts from different times, including at least two texts from one of the genres of prose fiction, poetry and drama and at least one other substantial written text
some of the key constituents of language and how they function in combination to make meaning in spoken and written English
– How variations in language, form and context shape and change meanings in speech and writing
– Some of the ways in which individual texts are interpreted by different readers or listeners
– Some analytical and creative approaches to the critical study of texts, drawing on linguistic and literary methodologies and concepts
Your tutor will give you various resource sites to visit and there is extra material on the On Campus area on our website.
In addition there are supporting text books available for both AS and A2 courses should you require additional guidance.
Edexcel AS English Language and Literature: Student Book Publication date of September 2015 revised edition to be confirmed.
The textbook and accompanying CD-ROM materials will help you develop the following skills:
– Analytical and general writing skills, both in response to examination-style source materials and in developing original coursework.
– Critical engagement and response to a range of literary and non-literary genres, including poetry, drama, prose, social communications, media texts and digital communications such as text messages, blogs and e-mails.
The textbook clearly outlines the assessment requirements for each unit and offers specific guidance on improving and refining reading and writing skills.
Entry Requirements
Although the AS Level English Language + Literature programmes build on the course content of GCSE, it is not necessary to have this qualification before undertaking an A-Level. However, in order to meet the demands of the course, it is recommended that candidates have literacy and communication skills equivalent to C or higher at GCSE. Please note that full tutor support is still provided throughout your course duration.
All students must be 16 years of age or above.
AS Level English Language + Literature Course Duration
1 year.
Study Hours Required
Approximately 150 hours.
Awarding Body
Edexcel A Levels are available for study anywhere in the world. Examinations can be taken at any registered examination centre in the world. It is recommended students check with examining centres that the chosen exam is available.
Examination Information
Students are required to arrange and pay for their AS Level English Language + Literature examinations and manage the course work element if the subject requires this. Students must check the relevant examination board website for further information and final examination sitting dates for the specification.
All examinations are held during the May / June exam period of every year.
The AS Level English Language + Literature Course Units
There are two examined components for this qualification. The course is subdivided into 3 units. Unit 1 covers the skills and knowledge required for Paper 1, while 2 and 3 cover the two literary texts required for the completion of Paper 2.
AS Level English Language + Literature Set Texts
In addition to the course material, you will require copies of the following texts:
- Edexcel Exploring Voices in Speech and Writing anthology – this should be provided by your examination centre. An electronic copies is available to read on the college website.
- Hardy, Thomas Tess of the D’Ubervilles. Wordsworth Editions, London. ISBN-13: 978-1853260056
- Burrows, Colin (Ed.) Metaphysical Poetry. Penguin Classics, London. ISBN-13: 978-0140424447
AS Unit 1: Exploring Voices in Speech and Writing (Edexcel Anthology)
This unit carries 50% of the total AS marks.
AS Level Component 1: 8EL01/01
The unit is externally assessed.
Availability: from June 2016.
Content summary
For Component 1 candidates study:
Voices in Speech and Writing anthology.
AS Level English Language + Literature Assessment
This unit is assessed by means of a written examination paper which lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes:
- The assessed anthology texts will be provided in the exam. You must not bring your anthology into the exam with you.
- Total of 50 marks available: 20 marks for Section A and 30 marks for Section B.
- Section A –Creation of Voice You will transform one text from the anthology (AO3, AO5 assessed).
- Section B –Comparing Voices. One comparative essay on unseen and one anthology text (AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4 assessed).
Component 1 tests all assessment objectives.
AS Level English Language + Literature UNIT 1 ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES
- AO1 Apply concepts and methods from linguistic and literary study, using appropriate terminology and clear written expression.
- AO2 Analyse the ways in which meanings are shaped with texts.
- AO3 Demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of the contexts in which texts are produced and received.
- AO4 Explore connections across texts, informed by linguistic and literary concepts.
- AO5 Demonstrate expertise and creativity in the use of English to communicate in different.
AS Level English Language + Literature AS Unit 2: Varieties in Language and Literature Section A: Love and Loss – Tess of the D’Ubervilles
A Level Component 2: 8EL01/02
This paper (covered by units 2 and 3) carries 50% of the total GCE marks.
The unit is externally assessed.
Availability: from June 2016.
Content summary
For Paper 2 Section A candidates study:
A pair of literary texts linked to the theme of Love and Loss. The set text for this unit is the novel Tess of the D’Ubervilles.
AS Level English Language + Literature Assessment
This unit is assessed by means of a written examination paper which lasts 1 hour 30 minutes:
- This is an ‘open book’ examination which means that clean copies of Tess of the D’Ubervilles and Metaphysical Poetry can be used.
- Total of 50 marks available: 25 marks for Section A (Tess of the D’Ubervilles) and 25 marks for Section B (Metaphysical Poetry).
- Candidates answer one question on Section A and one question on Section B. Both questions must link to set topic of ‘Love and Loss’.
- Section A Prose Fiction and Other Genres assesses AO1, AO2 and AO3.
- Section B Paired Text assesses AO1, AO2, AO3.
AS Level English Language + Literature Unit 3: Varieties in Language and Literature Section B: Love and Loss – Metaphysical Poetry
A Level Component 2: 8EL01/02
This paper (covered by units 2 and 3) carries 50% of the total GCE marks.
The unit is externally assessed.
Availability: from June 2016.
Content summary
For Paper 2 Section B candidates study:
A pair of literary texts linked to the theme of Love and Loss. The set text for this unit is the novel Metaphysical Poetry.
AS Level English Language + Literature Assessment
This unit is assessed by means of a written examination paper which lasts 1 hour 30 minutes:
- This is an ‘open book’ examination which means that clean copies of Tess of the D’Ubervilles and Metaphysical Poetry can be used.
- Total of 50 marks available: 25 marks for Section A (Tess of the D’Ubervilles) and 25 marks for Section B (Metaphysical Poetry).
- Candidates answer one question on Section A and one question on Section B. Both questions must link to set topic of ‘Love and Loss’.
- Section A Prose Fiction and Other Genres assesses AO1, AO2 and AO3.
- Section B Paired Text assesses AO1, AO2, AO3.
AS Level English Language + Literature Unit 2 will assess objectives AO1, AO2, AO3 and AO4. These require candidates to:
- AO1 Apply concepts and methods from linguistic and literary study, using appropriate terminology and clear written expression.
- AO2 Analyse the ways in which meanings are shaped with texts.
- AO3 Demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of the contexts in which texts are produced and received.
- AO4 Explore connections across texts, informed by linguistic and literary concepts.
AS Level Component 2: 8EL01/02
This paper (covered by units 2 and 3) carries 50% of the total GCE marks.
The unit is externally assessed. Availability: June
Content summary
For Paper 2 candidates study:
A range of texts to prepare for Unseen Non-fiction text and paired literary texts on the theme of Love and Loss. The set texts for this paper are the novel Tess of the D’Ubervilles and a range of Metaphysical Poetry.
Progression
Our AS-Level programmes are eligible for UCAS points, making them a great choice for students aiming to progress to University. UCAS points are awarded according to the grade earned, please see below for details.
AS levels are also widely recognised by employers and are useful for students looking to progress their careers or meet requirements for promotion.
UCAS Points Table
A = 20
B = 16
C = 12
D = 10
E = 6
