International GCSE English Literature

IGCSE course outline

The Edexcel International GCSE in English Literature enables students to:

• engage with and develop the ability to read, understand and respond to a wide range of literary texts from around the world
• develop an appreciation of the ways in which authors achieve their literary effects and to develop the skills needed for literary study
• explore, through literature, the cultures of their own and other societies
• find enjoyment in reading literature and understand its influence on individuals and societies

Not all pupils will take English Literature. Pupils who require an extra focus on English Language skills will be placed in smaller sets and will not follow the English Literature course.

Assessment method

Assessment is by examination and coursework (marked by LVS teachers and moderated by Edexcel).

Paper 1: Poetry and Modern Prose – 60% (Examination - 2 hours).

Section A – Unseen Poetry:

One 20-mark essay exploring the meaning and effects created in an unseen poem. The poem will be reproduced in the question paper.

Section B – Anthology Poetry:

One 30-mark essay question from a choice of two, comparing two poems from Part 3 of the Edexcel International GCSE English Anthology.

Section C – Modern Prose:

One 40-mark essay question from a choice of two on each of the set texts.

This is a closed text examination. This means that pupils may not have copies of the prose text in the examination. However, pupils will be provided with the anthology poems in the examination.

Paper 3: Modern Drama and Literary Heritage Texts – 40% (Coursework)

Assignment A – Modern Drama:

One essay response to a teacher-devised assignment on the studied text (30 marks).

Assignment B – Literary Heritage Texts:

One essay response to a teacher-devised assignment on the studied text (30 marks).

Post 16 opportunities and careers

English Literature can be studied at A level in the Sixth Form at LVS Ascot. Most careers would benefit from a qualification in English Literature. English Literature is a well-respected A level, and it would be useful for pupils considering Journalism, Law, Medicine, Politics, Marketing, Acting and Teaching.