Subject Overview:

The English course in years 10 and 11 aims to provide an engaging and challenging experience for all students. It provides a well-rounded approach allowing students to develop their communication skills and awareness of text type and audience along with the opportunity to read, interpret, explore and respond to a range of literary texts. Students can expect to continue to develop their speaking, reading and writing skills and deepen their understanding of how language works and how we can use it to achieve particular effects.

The English course also focuses on stimulating learners to read for pleasure, to explore wider and universal issues and thereby promoting a better understanding of themselves and the world.

In years 10 and 11, students study a combined IGCSE English First Language and CCS based Literature curriculum. With its focus on both language and literature, this combined IGCSE/CCS curriculum provides a thorough preparation for students transitioning into the Group 1 Language and Literature courses in the IB diploma or equivalent while allowing for flexibility in text choice and assessed activities.

In School Assessment

Non-exam based assessment: In both IGCSE English First Language and CCS Literature, students are assessed on a range of tasks consisting of both written and oral work to provide the opportunity to develop skills and demonstrate understanding. This may include, but is not limited to, literary essays and commentaries, articles, responses to text, empathic tasks, presentations, discussions, and seminars.

End of Semester / Term Tests: These are usually set from IGCSE past papers (IGCSE English First Language) and teacher constructed exams (CCS Literature). These exams will provide invaluable feedback to students and teachers on areas that may need extra attention as well as help generate target grades and predicted grades for reports.

CCS Literature final examination: All students will sit the CCS Literature exam during the regular IGCSE exam period at the end of year 11. This exam is internally assessed by the teacher using rubrics set by the English Department. All students will be able to access grades from A*-G.

External Assessment

End of Course IGCSE English First Language Exams: Students taking IGCSE First Language English will take one externally assessed IGCSE exam (Paper 1) at the end of the two year course from which will count for 50% of their final IGCSE First Language grade.

First Language English - Paper 1: Short and long answer responses based on unseen reading passages

Coursework Portfolio: In addition to their IGCSE English First Language Paper 1 exam, students will submit 3 selected pieces of coursework (in accordance with IGCSE guidelines) for external assessment. These pieces of coursework are produced during the 2 year course to demonstrate students’ writing abilities across different text types. The coursework portfolio counts for 50% of the final IGCSE First Language grade.