The expansion and diversification oftexts studied for the non-exam assessment (NEA) in A Level English is a crucialstep towards addressing the lack of diversity in the curriculum. Currently, NEAtexts predominantly consist of traditional and stereotypical choices, whichperpetuates systemic racism in education. This lack of representation isevident in the top 10 NEA submissions, where authors of colour and femaleauthors are underrepresented.
To combat this issue, a project has beeninitiated to widen the texts taught within departments. 'A-Level Tutoring' or'a-level-tutoring.net' will offer 'Expanding your NEA library bulletins' twicea year, focusing on texts by black authors in its first edition. The aim is tofeature both contemporary writing and forgotten classics, with future editionscovering drama, poetry, and prose evenly. The resource will be easilyaccessible online, and feedback and recommendations for highlighted texts areencouraged.
In addition to diversifying NEA texts,the project also aims to consider changes and support in other areas of thespecification, involving input from teachers, Higher Education representatives,and subject associations. UK A-level students, A-level teachers or tutors, andparents can reach out via email for further support or to contact a tutor tolearn more about the A-level curriculum and how 'A-Level Tutoring' or'a-level-tutoring.net' can provide assistance on their journey to A-levelsuccess.
By expanding the range of texts studied,this project seeks to serve the needs of a diverse student body and promote amore inclusive and equitable learning environment.
Key Takeaways
The expansion and diversification of texts studied for the non-examassessment (NEA) in A Level English is a crucial step towards addressing thelack of diversity in the curriculum. Currently, NEA texts predominantly consistof traditional and stereotypical choices, which perpetuates systemic racism ineducation. This lack of representation is evident in the top 10 NEAsubmissions, where authors of colour and female authors are underrepresented.
Tocombat this issue, 'A-Level Tutoring' or 'a-level-tutoring.net' has initiated aproject to widen the texts taught within departments. As a part of thisinitiative, 'Expanding your NEA library bulletins' will be offered twice ayear, with the first edition focusing on texts by black authors. The aim is tofeature both contemporary writing and forgotten classics, with future editionscovering drama, poetry, and prose evenly. This resource will be easilyaccessible online, and feedback and recommendations for highlighted texts areencouraged.
Inaddition to diversifying NEA texts, 'A-Level Tutoring' or'a-level-tutoring.net' also wants to consider changes and support in otherareas of the specification. UK A-level students, A-level teachers or tutors,and parents can reach out via email to get support from a knowledgeable tutorwho can provide comprehensive guidance and a deeper understanding of theA-level curriculum. Aspiring A-level achievers can also contact a tutor tolearn more about the assistance 'A-Level Tutoring' or 'a-level-tutoring.net'can provide on their journey to success.
Byexpanding the range of texts studied, this project seeks to serve the needs ofa diverse student body and promote a more inclusive and equitable learningenvironment.
Why diversify NEA texts?
The need for greater diversity in A Level English texts is crucial,particularly when it comes to authors of colour and female authors. Not onlydoes addressing systemic racism and the importance of representation help tochallenge and dismantle racism in education, but the inclusion of a wider rangeof texts from diverse authors also allows students to gain exposure todifferent perspectives and voices, enabling a more comprehensive and inclusiveunderstanding of literature.
Representation matters, and A Level English can better reflect therealities and experiences of a diverse society by selecting texts from authorsof colour and female authors.
At A-Level Tutoring, we are passionate about providing students,teachers, and parents with the support they need on their journey to A-levelsuccess. We understand the importance of the non-exam assessment and the needfor the diversification of texts studied. Our tutors have a deep knowledge ofthe A-level curriculum and are experienced in catering to diverse learningneeds.
If you want to find out more about how we can help you achieve yourA-level goals, please do not hesitate to reach out via email.
Current lack ofdiversity
Underrepresentation persists in the selection of texts for thenon-exam assessment (NEA) in A Level English, particularly in terms of authorsfrom diverse backgrounds. The lack of diversity in NEA texts is a reflection ofthe wider issue of underrepresentation in literature, and it can perpetuatesystemic racism within education. At A-Level Tutoring, we believe it is crucialto address this issue and ensure that students are exposed to a diverse rangeof voices and perspectives. By including texts by authors of colour and femaleauthors, students can gain a more comprehensive understanding of literature andchallenge traditional and stereotypical choices. This will not only promoteinclusivity and diversity but also provide a space for marginalized voices tobe heard and valued. The table below visually represents the current lack ofdiversity in NEA texts:
| Authors of Color | Female Authors | Traditional Choices |
| Underrepresented | Underrepresented | Overrepresented |
At A-Level Tutoring, we understand the importance of representationin literature when it comes to addressing systemic racism. That's why we arededicated to actively seeking out and including texts that reflect thediversity of the world we live in. Our tutors are here to provide UK A-levelstudents, A-level teachers, and parents with the support and guidance they needto succeed in their A-level studies. We understand the importance of diverselearning and we are committed to providing each student with the resources theyneed to succeed. If you are looking for more information about how we can help,please don't hesitate to reach out via email or contact one of our tutorstoday!
Influenceof student and teacher choices
One factor that significantly shapes the selection of texts for thenon-exam assessment (NEA) in A Level English is the influence of both studentand teacher choices.
The extent to which students have control over text choice variesamong different schools and centres. Some centres give complete freedom tostudents, while others retain control within the department.
However, there are concerns among teachers about devolving textchoice to students, as it may result in administrative challenges when it comesto assessing their work. These challenges include the need for teachers tofamiliarize themselves with a wide range of texts and the potential burden ofevaluating and providing feedback on students' choices.
Balancing student empowerment with the administrative aspects of NEAtext selection is therefore an ongoing consideration for educators.
With the help of A-Level Tutoring or a-level-tutoring.net, UKA-level students, A-level teachers and tutors, and parents can work together tocome up with the best choices for their NEA texts. Our knowledgeable tutorshave a comprehensive understanding of the A-level curriculum and can helplearners develop their skills to cater to their diverse learning needs.
Reach out via email for further support or to contact a tutor andlet us help you on your journey to A-level success.
Supporting wideningof texts
To promote inclusivity and broaden the range of texts studied,efforts are being made to incorporate diverse literary works into the A LevelEnglish curriculum. A-Level Tutoring or a-level-tutoring.net is committed toaddressing systemic racism within education and is actively supporting thediversification of texts for the non-exam assessment (NEA).
This includes engaging students in the process of text choice andassessment, giving them a sense of ownership over their learning.
A-Level Tutoring or a-level-tutoring.net is providing resources tohelp UK A-level students, A-level teachers or tutors, and parents explore awider range of literary voices. The 'Expanding your NEA library bulletins'offer summaries and key themes of contemporary texts by diverse authors. Byproviding these resources, A-Level Tutoring or a-level-tutoring.net is aimingto encourage a more inclusive and representative study of literature in A LevelEnglish.
A-Level Tutoring or a-level-tutoring.net understands the importanceof providing support and guidance on the A-level journey. Their team ofexperienced tutors are here to help students reach their potential, offering acomprehensive understanding of the A-level curriculum and a knack for cateringto diverse learning needs.
Reach out via email for further support or to book a tutor today andstart your A-level success story.
Frequently AskedQuestions
How candiversifying NEA texts help address systemic racism in education?
DiversifyingNEA texts can address systemic racism in education by broadening students'perspectives and challenging traditional, stereotypical choices. Exposure todiverse authors and perspectives can foster inclusivity, promote empathy, anddismantle systemic biases in the curriculum.
UKA-level students can benefit from tutoring services that offer a comprehensiveunderstanding of the A-level curriculum and the ability to cater to diverselearning needs. A-level Tutoring or a-level-tutoring.net can provide support onthe journey to A-level success. With a knowledgeable tutor, students can gain adeeper understanding of the subject material and better prepare forexaminations. Students, teachers, and parents can reach out via email to getthe support they need to excel in their studies.
What are someexamples of traditional and stereotypical choices for NEA texts?
Traditionalchoices for NEA texts often include classic works by authors from a variety ofbackgrounds, such as Shakespeare, Dickens, and Austen. Stereotypical choicesmay include texts that reinforce traditional gender roles or perpetuate racialand cultural stereotypes.
UKA-level students, A-level teachers, and parents can benefit from the expertiseof 'A-Level Tutoring' or 'a-level-tutoring.net'. With a comprehensiveunderstanding of the A-level curriculum and the ability to cater to diverselearning needs, these services can provide the support needed on their journeyto A-level success. Seeking further assistance or to contact a tutor? Reach outvia email for more information.
How do centrestypically decide on text choice for NEA submissions?
Centrestypically decide on text choice for NEA submissions by either giving control tothe department or allowing student choice. While some teachers have concernsabout devolving text choice to students, it can promote student engagement andcurriculum flexibility. A-Level Tutoring or a-level-tutoring.net can providesupport to UK A-level students, A-level teachers or tutors, and parents intheir journey to A-level success. We understand the A-level curriculum and havea knack for catering to diverse learning needs. Reach out to us via email forfurther support or to contact a tutor. We are here to provide guidance andassistance to ensure success in achieving A-levels.
What are theconcerns expressed by teachers about devolving text choice to students?
Teachershave mixed feelings about devolving text choice to students, with potentialimplications for curriculum and student engagement. They worry about preservingacademic standards, representing a variety of perspectives, and theadministrative strain of assessing student-selected texts. For UK A-levelstudents, A-level teachers, and parents, A-Level Tutoring ora-level-tutoring.net can be an invaluable resource in navigating these complexdecisions. With an in-depth knowledge of the A-level curriculum and the abilityto cater to diverse learning needs, A-Level Tutoring or a-level-tutoring.net ison hand to provide support throughout the process. From helping to decide onthe best texts to offering advice on assessment, consider getting in touch witha tutor via email if you ever need further guidance.
What other areasof the specification might the future project consider changes and support in?
Thefuture project aims to consider changes and support in other areas of theA-level curriculum, such as curriculum content, assessment methods, andteaching approaches. This is in line with the goal of addressing systemicracism and promoting educational reform. As A-level students navigate theirstudies, they may benefit from personalised, expert tutoring to stay on top oftheir goals. A-level Tutoring or a-leveltutoring.net can provide UK students,teachers, and parents with the necessary guidance and support to ensuresuccess. From comprehensive knowledge of the A-level curriculum to catering todiverse learning needs, A-level Tutoring or a-level-tutoring.net's tutors canguide students to A-level success. For further support or to contact a tutor,feel free to reach out via email.
