English Language and Literature

English Language and Literature are taught in an integrated way; you will have one English teacher who covers both the Language and the Literature syllabi with you.

As a student of English Literature you will study three set-texts: a novel, a poetry anthology and a play by Shakespeare. In addition to these set-texts you will read a range of literary works, both contemporary and pre-20th century, to develop your understanding of the craft of literature. You will develop your essay writing skills and your ability to comment analytically on set-texts and unseen extracts.

As a student of English Language you will encounter a wide range of non-fiction and media texts, including speeches, travel writing, biographies and autobiographies, online and print journalism, and blogs. You will look closely at how writers use language to achieve particular effects in their writing. You will also consider how different text types and writing styles are used to communicate different ideas and perspectives. Developing the ability to use English with confidence, accuracy and flair is a principal focus of the English Language course and you will experiment with a wide variety of writing styles for different purposes and audiences.

The English courses are exciting and challenging. You will read some great literature, be exposed to new perspectives, hone your critical thinking skills and develop your own voice as a writer.

In order to study English A at IB Level, you will need to do well in English iGCSE. Two Cs are required as a minimum for Standard Level and two Bs as a minimum for Higher Level.

Students study the Cambridge iGCSE English Language and iGCSE English Literature courses.

English Language

The aims are to enable students to:

• Read a wide range of texts, fluently and with good understanding, enjoying and appreciating a variety of language;

• Read critically, and use knowledge gained from wide reading to inform and improve their own writing;

• Write accurately and effectively, using Standard English appropriately;

• Work with information and with ideas in language by developing skills of evaluation, analysis, use and inference;

• Listen to, understand, and use spoken language effectively;

• Acquire and apply a wide vocabulary, alongside a knowledge and understanding of grammatical terminology and linguistic conventions.

English Literature

The aims are to develop learners who:

• Enjoy the experience of reading literature

• Understand and respond to literary texts in different forms and from different periods and cultures

• Communicate an informed personal response appropriately and effectively

• Appreciate different ways in which writers achieve their effects

• Experience literature’s contribution to aesthetic, imaginative and intellectual growth

• Explore the contribution of literature to an understanding of areas of human concern.

In Year 10 you will study a prose text, a selection of poems from a poetry anthology and a wide range of non-fiction texts. You will study units on Travel Writing and Life Writing to consider how different text types and styles of writing are used to communicate diverse ideas. You will develop your own ability to write in a range of registers and forms, including writing to describe, inform, argue and evaluate.

In Year 11 you will study a Shakespeare play and complete work on the poetry anthology. You will also be exposed to an increasing range of literary texts beyond the course set-texts, to prepare you for the Unseen exam in which you have to comment on a poem or extract of prose which you have not read before. By reading a range of non-fiction texts you will consolidate your ability to read critically and write accurately in a range of forms, including reports, letters, articles and narrative writing.

You will be assessed through external examinations at the end of Year 11. There is no coursework component for English Language or English Literature .

English Language

Paper 1 - Reading - 2 hours, 50%

• Structured and extended writing questions

• Questions will be based on three reading texts

Paper 2 - Directed Writing and Composition - 2 hours, 50%

• Extended writing question and a composition task

English Literature

Paper 1 – Poetry and Prose - 1 hour 30 minutes, 50%

• Two questions on two set texts: one poetry and one prose

Paper 3 – Drama - 45 minutes, 25%

• One question on one text

Paper 4 – Unseen - 1 hour 15 minutes, 25%

• One question requiring critical commentary

English is the international language of communication in many contexts and industries including the arts, science, technology, business and politics. A sound knowledge of the language will help you in whatever you do, whether you attend university in English-speaking countries, Portugal or anywhere else in the world.

Students who have a strong interest and ability in English Language and Literature often go on to roles in law, journalism, politics, theatre and performance, education, consultancy and the media.

Cambridge iGCSE English - First Language (0500) Syllabus

Cambridge iGCSE English - First Language (0500) Learner Guide

Cambridge iGCSE English Literature (0475) Syllabus

Cambridge iGCSE English Literature (0475) Learner Guide