Spoken language unit

[wardsworth]

Hi,

I'm just in the process of writing a scheme for this unit and plan on completing the CA task in relation to a particular interviewer. Just before I plough on with this, I have a couple of queries which I'd be grateful if you could clear up for me:

1) We plan on focusing on the interview style of Michael Parkinson. Would it be ok for pupils to analyse 2 of Parkinson's interviews in their responses to give their analysis greater depth.

2) The CA task says that centres can 'contextualise' the task. So could our CA task focus on how rapport is established and maintained as suggested in the bullet points below the task.

3) When two interviews have been chosen, I would like pupils to annotate their transcripts to focus on spoken language features. Whilst pupils will do this independently, can the teacher have input in this if these are the focuses for the CA?

4) Can pupils use annotated transcripts when writing their responses or would they need to be given a blank copy when they are writing up their analysis?

5) I understand that teachers cannot provide any form of a plan with regards to how pupils will respond to the task question. Is it acceptable for pupils to plan in groups or would planning need to be done independently?

Thanks,
Claire

[ocr_admin]

Hi Claire,

Thankyou for your query - it sounds like you are really getting your teeth into this part of the unit!

It is fine for pupils to focus on two interviews in order to encourage in-depth responses, though pupils who focus on one will not be penalised in any way.

The aspect of rapport would be an ideal area to focus on for this specific task so that sounds like an ideal way to contextualise it. There should be plenty to talk about on this.

During teaching it is fine for you to have an input into the transcript analysis - the teacher should be leading this during teaching time. Whilst this is going on pupils can be making their own notes from the lesson(s) to take into the final assessment. Pupils can only take unannotated transcripts into the final assessment along with their own notes. Planning how to answer the specific task should be done in the first hour or so of the final assessment as pupils can not take anything resembling a plan in with them.

It might also be useful for you to know that OCR are currently producing a DVD on Spoken Language which will feature clips for Michael Parkinson, as well as transcripts of those clips. The DVD should be in schools for early September. However, you are perfectly free to select your own clips/transcripts if you prefer.

I hope this clarifies.
Best wishes,
The English Team

[wardsworth]

Thank you for your speedy response. Just one more question with regards to pupils planning their responses to the task. Can the teacher have any input into this, or must the pupils be working completely on their own in the 4 hours they have for the task and plan as they would do in an exam.

Also pupils are allowed access to dictionaries and thesauri in this CA - is this correct?

The DVD would be great - is that being sent to all OCR centres free of charge?

Thanks,
Claire

[ocr_admin]

Hi Claire,
Pupils must plan for the specific task before they answer unaided. For this unit access to dictionaries and thesari is allowed. The DVD is totally free and will automatically be sent to new centres.
Best wishes,
The English Team

[wardsworth]

Thanks, and just last few questions before I finalise the task...

- Would it be possible when looking at Parkinson's interview style to look at when rapport breaks down - I was thinking of comparing a Parkinson interview with Peter Key with the one he did with Meg Ryan where the interview was a resounding flop!

- Also is there a minimum interview length required - I'm hoping it's ok to look at just sections of interviews rather than complete ones to save time transcribing.

Thanks,
Claire

[ocr_admin]

Hi Claire,
The breakdown of rapport would be an interesting area to look at - the Meg Ryan interview will be on our materials. Sections of interviews is fine. In total we wouldn't expect pupils to be writing about more than 6 mins footage in total - but this is approximate.
Best wishes,
The English Team

[wardsworth]

Apologies - another question. During the 4 hours that pupils have to complete this CA, are the pupils allowed access to the mark schemes? Or is this something that can only be used prior to the actual assessment task.

Thanks,
Claire

[ocr_admin]

Hi Claire,
As pupils are only allowed to take an unannotated copy of the transcript and their own original notes into the final task (along with dictionary and theaurus access) then this would not be permitted. However, pupils could make notes of aspects/main points of the mark scheme to go in with their own personal notes.
Best wishes,
The English Team