1.4 A. Acceptance of the ATG.6
1.4 B. Classification codes and subject combinations. 6
2 Specification at a Glance. 7
3.2 Unit AS 2: Listening, Reading and Use of Language. 13
Unit AS 2: Section A – Listening. 13
Unit AS 2: Section B – Reading. 13
Unit AS 2: Section C – Use of Language. 14
3.3 Unit AS 3: Extended Writing. 15
Introduction and Discussion. 16
3.5 Unit A2 2: Listening and Reading. 18
3.6 Unit A2 3: Extended Writing. 20
4.1 Assessment opportunities. 21
4.3 Assessment objective weightings. 21
4.4 Quality of written communication. 22
4.5 Synoptic assessment at A2. 22
4.6 Higher order thinking skills. 22
6.2 Unit AS 2: Listening, Reading and Use of Language. 29
Section C – Use of Language. 29
6.3 Unit AS 3: Extended Writing. 29
6.5 Unit A2 2: Listening and Reading. 30
6.6 Unit A2 3: Extended Writing. 30
Curriculum Progression from Key Stage 4. 31
Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities. 32
7.4 Equality and inclusion. 32
Unit AS 3 Content for Extended Writing. 35
Unit A2 1 Content for Introduction and Discussion. 36
Unit A2 3 Content for Extended Writing. 37
AS and A Level Grammar and Structures List. 38
AS grammar and structures list38
A level grammar and structures list40
1 Introduction
This specification sets out the content and assessment details for the Advanced Subsidiary (AS) and the Advanced ATG courses in Manx. First teaching from September 2017, first AS award from August 2018, first ATG award from August 2019.
Students can take:
• the AS course units as a final qualification; or
• the AS course units plus the A2 units for a full ATG A level equivalent qualification.
We assess the AS units at a standard appropriate for students who have completed the first part of the full course. A2 units have an element of synoptic assessment (to assess students’ understanding of the subject as a whole), as well as more emphasis on assessment objectives that reflect higher order thinking skills.
The full Advanced ATG award is based on students’ marks from the AS (40 percent) and the A2 (60 percent). The guided learning hours for this specification, as for all GCEs, are:
• 180 hours for the Advanced Subsidiary level award; and
• 360 hours for the Advanced level award.
We will make the first AS awards for the specification in 2021 and the first A level awards in 2020. The specification builds on the broad objectives of the Manx Curriculum.
If there are any major changes to this specification, we will notify centres in writing. The online version of the specification held on itsLearning will always be the most up to date. If you do not have access to itsLearning please contact the Manx Language Officer via the DESC website.
The content used for writing assessments may change from year to year. Details of the current year’s assigned content is included in each September specification update. Further details on access to the texts are available from the Manx Language Officer.
1.1 Aims
This specification aims to encourage students to:
- develop an enthusiasm for and an understanding of the Manx language and culture in a variety of contexts and genres;
- communicate confidently, clearly and effectively in the Manx language for a range of purposes;
- develop knowledge and understanding of current and historical societal, political and cultural issues concerning the Manx language and its speakers, and other threatened languages.
- draw together different areas of linguistic competence, skills and understanding;
- develop higher order thinking skills, for example independent learning and analytical and evaluative thinking;
- carry out research and present their findings through multimedia presentations;
- develop advanced study skills that help them prepare for third level education;
- provide extended responses and evidence of quality of written communication;
- engage critically with intellectually stimulating texts, video and other materials;
- demonstrate that they understand and can use Manx at a high level to discuss and reflect on aspects of society, politics and culture.
1.2 Key features
The following are important features of this specification.
- There are six assessment units in this specification, three at AS level and three at A2: –
- This specification allows students to develop their language skills, knowledge and understanding of current and historical societal, political and cultural issues concerning the Manx language and its speakers, and other threatened languages.
- It provides opportunities for students to engage in independent research into aspects of Manx society and culture, or that of other threatened languages, that are of personal interest and to use multimedia to present their findings.
- Assessment at A2 includes more varied question types, more demanding evaluative tasks, extended writing, and synoptic assessment that encourages students to develop their understanding of the subject as a whole.
- There is a varied choice of texts.
Unit AS 1:Speaking
Unit AS 2: Section A (Listening), Section B (Reading) and Section C (Use of Language);
Unit AS 3: Extended Writing;
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Unit A2 1: Speaking;
Unit A2 2: Section A (Listening) and Section B (Reading);
Unit A2 3: Extended Writing.
- It gives students a sound basis for progression to higher education through skills development.
- A range of support is available, including specimen assessment materials and exemplars along with teacher guidance and support.
1.3 Prior attainment
The specification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills developed in the Manx TCG (GCSE equivalent). We recommend that students intending to study for ATG Manx have already achieved a good TCG standard, or have an equivalent level of knowledge of Manx.
1.4 A. Acceptance of the ATG.
Whilst there have been no instances of universities rejecting ATG awards, or not accepting the award as equivalent to an A Level award, the awards do not garner official UK UCAS points. Early results can be requested, so that university applicants may inform universities of their ATG result in advance of UK A level results being released.
1.4 B. Classification codes and subject combinations
Every UK specification has a UK national classification code that indicates its subject area. The ATG is an Isle of Man Government award and does not have a classification code. The specification is based on the CCEA specification for GCE Irish, for which the code is 5550.
(Please note that if a student takes two qualifications with the same classification code, universities and colleges that they apply to may take the view that they have achieved only one of the two GCEs. The same may occur with any two GCE qualifications that have a significant overlap in content, even if the classification codes are different. Because of this, students who have any doubts about their subject combinations should check with the universities and colleges that they would like to attend before beginning their studies.)
There are no prohibited entry combinations for ATG Manx.
2 Specification at a Glance
The table below summarises the structure of the AS and A level courses. In total, the marks awarded for the AS make up 40% of the marks awarded for the full ATG: