Enrichment opportunities in YIJC / Unique teaching approach

• Constructivist approach to learning

• Guiding questions as scaffolds to help with content mastery

• Independent learning and research to deepen understanding

• Collaborative learning through group work and class presentations

• Enrichment through school based activities (e.g. Arts Fusion) as well as participation in one poetry or drama-based experience facilitated by literary luminaries and artistic enterprises

• Partnerships with IHL, guest lectures

Skill attainment

H1 Literature in English prepares students to think critically and read texts with discernment. The subject provokes an appreciation of the complexities of the human condition. Provocative ethical issues are interrogated and students should develop a more mature sensibility.

Beyond meeting exam expectations, the student of Literature in English should be able to:

1. Critically analyse, evaluate and make informed personal responses to both written and spoken texts.

2. Communicate ideas effectively and persuasively.

3. Negotiate complexities and ambiguities all the time showing awareness of diverse perspectives.

4. Cultivate a love for reading literature

Other Relevant Info

The assessment is an open book examination. 

Only original texts (original published editions) should be taken into the examination room. Nothing else, including critical works or study notes of any kind, should be taken into the examination room. Only underlining, highlighting or the use of vertical lines in the margins is permitted. Nothing else should be written in the texts. 

Not permitted: The use of dictionaries, separate pieces of paper such as post-its and tape flags or any kind of folding or flagging of pages in texts (e.g. use of post-its, tape flags or paper clips).

FAQ

1. I did not do O level Literature - will I be at a disadvantage?

Literature in English at A level is more than reading story books. So students must be aware of the demands of the subject. The EN Unit will conduct a foundation module for ALL students in the first 6 weeks of the instructional programme. Students will learn the critical terminology, the literary conventions of the different genres and ways to approach literary analysis. Focus and diligence in these few weeks will overcome the imagined disadvantage. Doing well for the subject depends very much on the student’s attitude and aptitude.

2. Do I have to buy the texts? Are they expensive?

For H1, the 2 texts will be about $25 - $28. Students can bring these texts into the exam venue. Where possible, working copies of the exam texts may be printed for note taking and discussion purposes.

3. How are lessons conducted? 

For H1 EN, tutorials are divided into sessions for lecture-style content delivery and sessions for close readings and class discussions. We do two sections of the paper concurrently: unseen poetry and a text (prose / drama) per school year.

4. What is the class size?

Class size is below 25 per group.

5. How can I do well for the subject? 

Be familiar with your texts; Read ahead and come to class prepared; Take notes and be attentive; Consult your teachers for help if need; Participate as spectatorship is so boring!