Peter Symonds College Prospectus 2014
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- AS Level
- A2 Level
- English Literature
- Environmental Studies
English LanguageAQAEnglish Language trains you to become a skilled analyser of language use, through close analysis of a variety of texts. In AS, this may include genres as diverse as fiction, journalism, transcripts of workplace conversations, text messages or the language on the reverse of a train ticket. The focus will always be on the contexts in which texts are produced and received, their audiences and purposes. The technical labelling of language features will be a key element to analysis. These analytical skills will inform and shape your own written style in the AS coursework unit. In A2, developing knowledge of linguistic description and language theory will be applied to Child Language Acquisition (studied through transcripts of child-parent interaction or examples of children’s early writing) and Language Change (looking at textual evidence of English’s changing use over time). These may prompt ideas for the A2 coursework, where you’ll be given the opportunity to collect data as part of a research project on an area of language of your choice. Assessment at AS and A2 will be a mix of coursework (40%) and exams (60%).
Creating Texts (Coursework)
A2 LevelDeveloping Language
Investigating Language (Coursework)
English Language complements many other subjects. The social science outlook fits in well with subjects such as Media Studies, Psychology, Communication and Culture and Sociology. The required grammatical detail for analysis ties in well with all foreign language courses. Some students also study English Literature alongside this course, and value the differing approaches to studying texts. We would stress that the focus of AS/A2 English Language is different to GCSE English Language: we learn terminology for the technical description of English, and the majority of written work will be analytical rather than creative. Standard entry requirements plus a Grade B or above in GCSE English Language is recommended. English LiteratureOCRIf you love to read, enjoy analysing literary texts, have an imagination, and like writing essays, English literature is the course for you. This course will develop:
This qualification gives you the opportunity to study literature across the genres of poetry, drama and prose, and to engage with concepts of literary theory and contextual factors which inform the production and reception of literary texts. There is a large coursework element in Literature with 40% of your marks gained in coursework units. You will have many opportunities to participate in activities such as theatre trips (including a residential stay in Stratford-upon-Avon), seminars, lectures and workshops. We have an extension group called ‘English, etc.’ aimed at those considering taking an English degree to further develop their understanding of literature and English based subjects. AS LevelThe focus here is on introducing the next level of literary study, looking at how to use critical ideas as well as exploring a great range of texts from different genres. For your coursework you will study: Post-1900 literature, including a comparison between a drama and a prose text, and a close analysis of a post-1990 text. For your exam you will study:
A2 LevelIn the second year you will further develop your skills as an independent student and thinker, able to produce sophisticated responses to literary texts. You will write a 3000+ word comparative coursework essay on three texts from a topic area selected by your teacher. This substantial essay tests all your skills of literary analysis and entails a significant amount of individual research, reading and study. For your exam you will study:
Standard entry requirements plus a Grade B or above in GCSE English Language (and English Literature if taken). Environmental StudiesAQAEnvironmental Studies involves the scientific study of human impact on planet Earth. You will study a wide range of environmental issues to increase your understanding of how human activities cause environmental damage and the strategies that are available to reduce this. Both sides of the issues are discussed to enable you to form well-balanced opinions which you can support with logical arguments and objective scientific evidence. If you have a good general knowledge and an interest in your place in the wider world, you should find this a rewarding subject to study. AS LevelThe Living Environment : Wildlife conservation, conservation ecology, land use conflicts. The Physical Environment : The atmosphere, global climate change, water resources, mineral resources, nutrient cycles, soils. A2 LevelPollution and Energy : Pollution of the atmosphere, water and land; energy resources, current use and solving supply problems. Biological Resources and Environmental Sustainability : Agriculture, forestry, fisheries and more sustainable lifestyles for future survival. A range of residential fieldtrips will be offered during the year. Daytrips might include, for example, visits to a water treatment works, the Waitrose farm at Leckford, The Hawk Conservancy and practical work in freshwater ecology and woodland or heathland management. Environmental Studies combines well with most other subjects. It is particularly popular with students of Biology, Chemistry and Geography, although many students study a range of other subjects. It provides a good training in problem-solving and analysis for any student. Environmental Studies is accepted as a science subject by virtually every university.
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