English Literature

Course summary

English A1 is a broad, literature-based course with a core of foundational English literature texts and, significantly, it encourages a real diversity of authors, including gender parity. Choices include Shakespeare, modern drama, poetry, fiction, graphic novels, song lyrics and non-fiction writing. There is also a significant element of World Literature – texts written in languages other than English and studied in translation. IB English is challenging and thought provoking; as well as written tasks there is a fundamental emphasis on group discussion and pupil-led presentations. The courses mesh well with other IB language courses and many pupils choose to write their Extended Essay based on a literary topic. English in the 6th Form is highly stimulating and suits intellectually curious individuals who have a passion for the words that have shaped both themselves and the worlds around them. Each IB class will read a different combination of works: 9 for SL and 13 for HL. While exploring these works, students cultivate skills and strategies needed for each examination: unseen analysis for Paper 1; a comparative essay on two texts of the pupils’ choice for Paper 2; an oral examination on a global issue in two extracts from texts of the pupils’ choice; and, for HL, a coursework essay. None of the texts are ‘set’ for a specific examination as such – students work with teachers in deciding options that would suit their particular strengths and interests across the two years.