English Language & Literature

English is at the heart of the curriculum and the skills pupils develop help them to succeed across their subjects and prepare them for life beyond school. As well as being an important academic subject, English offers pupils the chance to find their own voice and develop into confident individuals, able to think and communicate clearly and effectively, whatever their particular strengths, interests and aspirations for the future. In Years 10 and 11, pupils work towards two Edexcel International GCSE (IGCSE) qualifications, one in English Language and one in English Literature. Both are assessed entirely by examination; there is no coursework. They study non fiction and media texts, short stories and poetry from different eras and cultures, covering a variety of themes. They also read a novel, a Shakespeare play and a modern drama text, while honing their ability to write descriptively, creatively, analytically and persuasively.

Where can this subject take you? 

Studying IGCSE English Language and English Literature opens a wide range of opportunities for pupils, both in further education and future careers. Strong reading, writing and communication skills are essential in almost every pathway, from A levels, IB programmes and apprenticeships to university courses and the world of work. The two English IGCSEs help pupils develop confidence in expressing ideas clearly, analysing information and understanding different perspectives; these are skills that are highly valued in all facets of life but it is especially true for careers in the media, law, education, business and the creative industries. Whatever direction a pupil chooses, English provides a strong foundation that supports success across many subjects and professions.

Course Content/Structure 

Paper 1, Non-fiction Texts & Transactional Writing (60% of the IGCSE). This will focus on non-fiction texts, including those from the Edexcel Anthology, which will be prepared in advance, and one pupils will not have seen before. 

They will answer questions that test their ability to interpret and compare those texts and then produce a piece of transactional writing, such as an article, letter or speech, which aims to inform, persuade or advise. 

In Paper 2, Poetry and Prose Texts & Imaginative Writing (40% of the IGCSE), pupils will answer an essay question on one of the prose or poetry texts they have studied in the Edexcel Anthology and then produce a piece of imaginative writing.

Assessment

Paper 1, Non-fiction Texts & Transactional Writing (60% of the IGCSE). This will focus on non-fiction texts, including those from the Edexcel Anthology, which will be prepared in advance, and one pupils will not have seen before. 

They will answer questions that test their ability to interpret and compare those texts and then produce a piece of transactional writing, such as an article, letter or speech, which aims to inform, persuade or advise. 

In Paper 2, Poetry and Prose Texts & Imaginative Writing (40% of the IGCSE), pupils will answer an essay question on one of the prose or poetry texts they have studied in the Edexcel Anthology and then produce a piece of imaginative writing. 

In Paper 1, Poetry & Modern Prose (60% of the IGCSE), pupils will analyse an unseen poem, before comparing two poems from the selection in the Edexcel Anthology they will have studied. They will then write an essay response to a question on a modern novel, such as To Kill a Mockingbird, Things Fall Apart, Klara and the Sun or The Whale Rider. 

Paper 2, Modern Drama & Literary Heritage Texts (40% of the IGCSE), will ask pupils to complete two essay questions. The first will be on a modern play, such as An Inspector Calls, A View from the Bridge or Kindertransport, while the second will focus on a‘Literary Heritage’ text, which will be one of Shakespeare’s plays, currently Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth or The Merchant of Venice. 

Pupils sit two examinations for each IGCSE English course at the end of Year 11, as described above. There is no coursework.

Additional Information

Exam Board:
EDEXCEL IGCSE

Head of Department:
Eliesha Penner – egp@rydeschool.net