English Literature

Similarly to English Language, English Literature is introduced to students in the Kindergarten (Foundation Stage) as part of the ‘Communication, Language and Literacy’ Early Learning Goal. Students are shown how to appreciate and understand books, listen to and participate in stories, songs, rhymes and poems, and respond to these.

In the Primary School in Key Stages 1 and 2 (ages 5 – 11) , the learning continues with structured reading programmes, reading extension materials, quiet reading times, shared and guided reading activities, and encouragement to read for pleasure.

In Key Stage 3 in the Secondary School, the UK National Curriculum (http://www.qcda.gov.uk/) for English Literature is followed. At the end of Key Stage 3, the School enters all Year 9 students for the Cambridge Checkpoint tests (http://www.cie.org.uk) in English, Mathematics and Science. These are an important means of standardised external assessment at the end of Year 9 and are considered to be accurate predictors of future Cambridge International Examinations IGCSE grades.

In Key Stage 4 in Years 10 – 11, students must continue with English Literature at IGCSE level. A summary of the IGCSE English Literature syllabus, and further information about all subjects offered in Years 10 and 11 are provided in the IGCSE Prospectus, which may be downloaded here. The full syllabus for IGCSE English Literature may be found by visiting the CIE website (http://www.cie.org.uk) and locating the subject via its name and/or subject code.

In Key Stage 5 in Year 12 English Literature may be studied at GCE AS Level, and in Year 13 at GCE A Level. A summary of the GCE AS Level and A Level English Literature syllabuses, and further information about all subjects offered in Years 12 and 13 are provided in the AS & A Level Prospectus, which may be downloaded here. The full syllabus for AS and A Level English Literature may be found by visiting the CIE website(http://www.cie.org.uk) and locating the subject via its name and/or subject code.