Literature in English

Curriculum Framework 

The curriculum framework for Literature in English embodies the key knowledge, skills, values and attitudes that students should develop at the senior secondary level. It forms the basis on which schools and teachers can plan their school curriculum, and design appropriate learning, teaching and assessment activities. 

Curriculum Structure and Organisation 

The curriculum framework for Literature in English provides the overall structure for organising learning and teaching for the subject. It comprises a set of interlocking components including: 

• subject knowledge and skills, which are expressed in the form of learning targets in the Strands of Knowledge of Literary Forms and Conventions, Appreciation and Response, and Language Enhancement, as well as learning objectives;  

• generic skills; and  

• positive values and attitudes. 

The framework sets out what students should know, value and be able to do in the study of Literature in English at the senior secondary level. It gives schools and teachers flexibility and ownership to plan and develop alternative curriculum modes to meet their varied needs. 

Figure 2.1 on the following page is a diagrammatic representation highlighting the major components of the Literature in English curriculum framework. 

Figure 2.1 Diagrammatic Representation of the Literature in English Curriculum Framework

The Literature in English Curriculum 

provides students with learning experiences to appreciate and enjoy literature, encourage self-expression and creativity, enhance their critical and analytical skills, improve their competence in the use of English, develop their cultural understanding as well as positive values and attitudes conducive to lifelong learning, and prepare them for further study or work. 

Strands 

Strands highlight the major purposes for which Literature in English is learned in Hong Kong and are used to organise learning content and activities for developing students’ knowledge (general and linguistic), skills (language, communication and learning how to learn), values and attitudes as a holistic process  

Literature in English, as an elective subject, accounts for about 10% of the total lesson time* in the senior secondary curriculum. Lesson time should be allocated according to students’ needs with due consideration of their strengths and weaknesses. Equal emphasis should be placed on the various genres of prose, poetry, drama and film that students are required to study in the subject, and sufficient time should be allocated for initiating desired responses from students and providing advice and support on portfolio work and other related learning activities. 

The following is a suggested time allocation for the Literature in English curriculum: 

                                                                                                                Percentage of lesson time 

• Study of Set Texts                                                                                      55%  

• Literary Appreciation                                                                              25%  

• Portfolio (Group work/Individual tutorials)                              20% 

English Language Education Key Learning Area - Literature in English Curriculum and Assessment Guide (Secondary 4 - 6) 

Jointly prepared by the Curriculum Development Council and the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority, 2023