GCSE English Literature - Mark scheme support - Launching a new resource pack

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by acoobca

Support guide for GCSE English Literature mark scheme application, introducing a new resource pack for English Hub School networks. Explains how to access free mark scheme support in AQA’s secure Secure Key Materials area, outlines what the pack covers, and provides an introduction session structure. Includes guidance from the Chief Examiner on Level 4 response attributes, plus an overview of marking elements using AO1/AO2/AO3 and mark ranges (16–20).

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages8

Reading Time20 min

AccessFree to download

Launching a new resource pack

Mastering the mark scheme

English Hub School network session

From the Chief Examiner

From the mark scheme for Level 4

Contact

GCSE English Literature Mark scheme support Launching a new resource pack We’re here to help We’ve assembled a collection of support resources so you can get better value from our mark schemes. [Visit](Visit aqa.org.uk/eaqa and)[ aqa.org.uk/eaqa](Visit aqa.org.uk/eaqa and)[ and](Visit aqa.org.uk/eaqa and) log in to Secure Key Materials. From there, navigate to English Literature and on to Mark scheme support. This quick guide for the English Hub School networks introduces the key elements of this support, meaning you can jump straight in before pouring over the detail later. Enclosed: • Mastering the mark scheme: what to expect • From the Chief Examiner: attributes of ‘Level 4’ • Example student response: no comments MARK SCHEME SUPPORT: LAUNCHING A NEW RESOURCE PACK Mastering the mark scheme The new mark scheme support can be found on [aqa.org.uk/eaqa](aqa.org.uk/eaqa), our secure logged-in area for centres. It’s free and easy to access from a desktop or laptop. Navigate to Secure Key Materials, on to English Literature and finally Mark scheme support. You can: • Watch Sarah Darragh, the Chief Examiner, explain how she determined a mark for six distinct student responses and levels. • Better understand the different strands of progression at each response level. • See key conceptual differences at the threshold of Level 3 and Level 4 responses. • Access AQA-approved examples of mark scheme application through annotated, colour-coded responses from students of different abilities. English Hub School network session For an introduction to key aspects of the resource, follow the steps below. First • Watch the Chief Examiner’s video of attributes that a Level 4 student demonstrates. • A section of this explanation has been reproduced on page 4, overleaf. • You may wish to refer to the mark scheme too. Second • Read the student response reproduced at the back of this document, this is judged to be Level 4. • Based on the explanation in the film clip, work as a group to identify any key aspects of the response that support a mark at this level. • In particular, note any aspects that seem to demonstrate the conceptual grasp of ‘text as conscious construct’. • Discuss your thoughts. Third • Watch the Chief Examiner’s video commentary of the Level 4 response which explains how the judgement has been made. Again, a section of this explanation has been printed for you to look at in the session. • Discuss the opportunities for teaching and learning. From the Chief Examiner The Chief Examiner explains attributes of a Level 4 response: “One of the defining features of a Level 4 response is a candidate starting to focus on the text as conscious construct, therefore it follows that there is clear focus on what the writer is doing (the candidate will explain the effects of writer’s choices linked to purpose) and it also follows that context will be relatively clearly understood and explained. Typically, for a student to convincingly demonstrate consistent Level 4 qualities, their response will be firmly focused on the text as a deliberate construction; in other words, it is in this level where students really get to grips with the purpose of the subject – the fact that any literary text has been deliberately created. A further defining feature of Level 4 is a response that demonstrates clear understanding of what the text is ‘about’ at a more abstract level: themes/ideas rather than just plot/character/feelings.” From the mark scheme for Level 4 “Clear understanding” 16–20 marks | AO1 | • Clear, explained response to task and whole text.
• Effective use of references to support explanation. | At the top of the level, a candidate’s response is likely to be clear, sustained and consistent.
At the bottom of the level, a candidate will have Level 3 and be starting to demonstrate elements of understanding and/or explanation of writer’s methods and/or contexts.

FAQs

Where can teachers access the new mark scheme support resources?

The new mark scheme support is available on aqa.org.uk/eaqa within Secure Key Materials after navigating to English Literature and then Mark scheme support.

What does a Level 4 response focus on, according to the Chief Examiner?

A Level 4 response begins to focus on the text as conscious construct, linking what the writer is doing to purpose, with context understood and explained relatively clearly.

How is Level 4 marking guidance structured in the document?

It outlines clear understanding expectations and uses AO1/AO2/AO3 categories, including guidance tied to the 16–20 marks range and what separates Level 3 from Level 4.

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by acoobca