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Scheme of work – Cambridge International A Level Literature in English (9695)
Unit 8: Moving from AS to A Level
Further development of the skills of literary analysis, including further development of students’ own interpretation and the development of appreciation and
discussion of varying opinions.
Recommended prior knowledge
A reasonable standard of written English, experience of responding to poetry, prose and drama gained at AS Level and basic skills of literary analysis and
interpretation.
Context
This unit is the introduction to the course. It tests the level of students’ skills of close reading and interpretation of literary texts in the three main genres. It also
begins to develop appreciation of other opinions and judgements.
Outline
This unit addresses the development from AS Level to A Level and identifies the students’ skills in analysis and essay writing.
Learning objectives
Suggested teaching activities
Learning resources
It is a good idea to assess the students’ current levels of experience and
skills. If part or all of the class is new to the teacher, it is important for the
teacher to discover by discussion what students have learned about
texts, the ways in which authors present ideas and engage the reader
and how the students express their own thoughts about what they have
read.
The textbook by Toner and Whittome, published by
CUP, recommended for AS Level is a useful
support also at A Level for the Cambridge
International Literature and Language syllabuses.
1. Moving on from AS Level
The Cambridge International A
Level syllabus pre-supposes
some understanding and
knowledge about literature gained
at AS Level. It aims to develop
further the students’ appreciation
of authorial technique and to
develop the ability to discuss
critically other opinions of literary
works. The student will also
develop a written style
appropriate to literary discussion
at this level. However, students
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Useful websites:
Students can share experiences of texts they studied for AS Level
exams and texts they have read for their own pleasure. How aware are
they of contexts, genre, structure, plot and theme?
Individual written work to assess current experience and understanding
of literature.
Cambridge International A Level Literature in English (9695)
www.topmarks.co.uk has a large directory of
educational sites. Select English>Advanced Level
from the pull-down menus.
www.learn.co.uk is also worth visiting.
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Learning objectives
Suggested teaching activities
Learning resources
The teacher will want to measure the students’ understanding of the
genres and current experience levels; this may assist in selecting the
texts to be studied. Paper 5 is compulsory and students must study a
Shakespeare text.
Availability may determine choices but for example
focusing on the opening of ‘Romeo and Juliet’
resources would be:
have already gained experience
and confidence from AS that will
stand them in good stead for this
part of the 9695 syllabus.
2. Types of text: Genre
The Literature in English syllabus
focuses on the main genres of
poetry, prose and drama. At A
Level the teacher will select which
genres the students will study by
selecting texts (see syllabus).
Copies of the opening scenes for class discussion.
Activities might include a class discussion of their experiences of
Shakespeare plays, a brainstorming session on the specific issues for
drama, watching a live or recorded production of a Shakespeare play
and sharing experiences of it, reading and discussing a significant
episode from a play and then watching a recorded performance or
performances of it.
Relevant extracts from say three versions such as
the BBC Shakespeare version, the Polanski film
and the Baz Lurhman version.
This will lead to a individual written work from which the teacher can
assess the student’s understanding of Shakespeare and drama.
3. Types of text: Period
The syllabus does not demand
detailed historical knowledge of
the periods in which texts were
written or are set, but ability to
research and evaluate some
contextual information can be
useful in understanding and
interpreting a text.
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Activities to test current understanding and if necessary to develop
relevant skills might include allocating ‘famous’ authors to each student
to research and prepare a presentation to the class to include key
biographical, historical and cultural facts. A possible extension for more
experienced learners includes researching extracts from the authors to
support key contextual facts identified.
Library facilities for research.
Access to internet for sites such as
www.victorianweb.org which has a wealth of
information on Victorian writers and their contexts.
Follow up written activity to enable assessment of understanding of
contextual issues with extension for experienced learners to include
evaluation of the importance or otherwise of such contextual knowledge
for interpretation.
Cambridge International A Level Literature in English (9695)
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Learning objectives
Suggested teaching activities
Learning resources
Revision of and testing of students’ skills in analysis and interpretation
by activities such as class discussion of an unseen poem or prose
extract led by teacher; group work in class to share ideas and
approaches; an individual analysis of an unseen poem or piece of prose
as written work. Students may need reminders of some technical terms
as they arise in discussion.
Explanatory sheets of essential technical terms.
4. Analysis and interpretation
Analysis and interpretation are
key skills for A Level and should
be at the centre of students’
writing throughout the course.
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Cambridge International A Level Literature in English (9695)
Aide memoire for approaches to literary analysis.
Copies of poems/prose extracts
suitable for the level of experience of the class.
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