Examination Board: Edexcel

A Level English Literature Specification

From GCSE to University-Level Study

A Level English Literature represents the final stage of our whole-school flight path. Building upon the work completed throughout Middle School and IGCSE, pupils become increasingly independent, analytical and intellectually curious readers.

The course moves beyond simply understanding what a text means and encourages pupils to explore how and why different interpretations emerge. Pupils are challenged to think critically, engage with complex ideas and shape sophisticated arguments supported by evidence from the texts they study.

Through literature, pupils explore some of the most significant questions about humanity, identity, society, morality, power, relationships and the human experience. They learn to engage confidently in academic discussion, form their own viewpoints and explore how literature both reflects and shapes the world around us.

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Why Study English Literature?

English Literature is one of the most highly regarded academic subjects, combining creativity, critical thinking and intellectual challenge.

The subject strengthens pupils' ability to analyse complex ideas, evaluate evidence, communicate with precision and construct persuasive arguments. These skills are highly valued by universities and employers and provide excellent preparation for a wide range of degree courses and careers.

At St Catherine's, we foster a culture of curiosity, discussion and wider reading. Lessons are characterised by thoughtful debate, close engagement with texts and a willingness to explore multiple interpretations and perspectives. Pupils are encouraged to challenge ideas, ask questions and grow as independent literary critics.

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What Will Pupils Study?

Drama

Pupils study:

• William Shakespeare – Twelfth Night
• Oscar Wilde – The Importance of Being Earnest

Through these texts, pupils explore comedy, identity, gender, relationships and social expectations whilst developing an understanding of dramatic form, performance and theatrical conventions.

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Prose

Pupils study:

• Mary Shelley – Frankenstein
• Kazuo Ishiguro – Never Let Me Go

These novels provide opportunities to explore ideas surrounding humanity, morality, scientific advancement, responsibility, identity and social inequality. The comparative nature of the course helps pupils refine increasingly sophisticated analytical and evaluative skills.

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Poetry

Pupils study:

• Poems of the Decade: An Anthology of the Forward Books of Poetry 2002–2011
• Selected Poetry of John Keats

Pupils explore how poets use language, form and structure to create meaning whilst examining literary traditions, thematic connections and changing perspectives across time. Through comparison and close textual analysis, they gain a nuanced understanding of poetry and literary craft.

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Independent Coursework (NEA)

A distinctive feature of A Level English Literature is the opportunity to undertake independent literary research.

Pupils complete a comparative coursework essay based on two texts of different genres, allowing them to pursue individual interests whilst developing the skills of independent study, research and academic writing. This component provides valuable preparation for university-level study and encourages pupils to become confident and independent scholars.

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The St Catherine's Approach

A Level English Literature is about far more than examination success.

We encourage pupils to read widely, think deeply and engage confidently with challenging ideas. Through discussion, debate, independent reading and written analysis, pupils gain intellectual independence and a genuine appreciation of literature.

Our carefully structured approaches, including quotation banks, comparative planning strategies, guided annotation and explicit teaching of analytical writing, continue to support pupils as they transition from GCSE to the greater independence required at A Level. These approaches help pupils access challenging texts with confidence whilst ensuring that the most able are continually stretched and challenged.

Lessons encourage pupils to become active participants in literary discussion, giving them the confidence to explore alternative interpretations, challenge assumptions and contribute thoughtfully to academic debate.

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Skills Developed

Throughout the course pupils build:

• Sophisticated analytical writing
• Comparative literary analysis
• Independent critical thinking
• Confident oral discussion and debate
• Research and investigation skills
• Evaluation of different interpretations
• Detailed textual analysis
• Academic essay writing
• Understanding of literary context and tradition
• Independent reading habits

These skills support success not only in English Literature but across a wide range of academic disciplines.

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Preparation for University and Beyond

English Literature is excellent preparation for higher education because it strengthens the ability to analyse complex material, evaluate evidence, construct persuasive arguments and communicate effectively.

Our pupils regularly progress to degree courses including:

• English Literature
• Law
• History
• Politics
• International Relations
• Journalism
• Publishing
• Marketing
• Media and Communications
• Public Relations
• Teaching
• Psychology
• Criminology
• Sociology
• Medicine
• Veterinary Medicine
• Dentistry
• Biomedical Sciences
• Natural Sciences
• Liberal Arts

The analytical precision, intellectual curiosity and communication skills developed through English Literature are highly valued by universities. The ability to interpret evidence, evaluate different viewpoints, communicate clearly and think critically makes English an excellent complement to both humanities and science-based pathways.

Pupils considering Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry and other highly competitive professional courses often find that English Literature supports many of the transferable skills required for interviews, personal statements, admissions tests and university study. The ability to understand complex information, construct coherent arguments and communicate effectively is invaluable across a wide range of professions.

This is why many universities value English Literature as a rigorous academic subject: it supports advanced reading, analytical precision and communication across an exceptional range of degree courses and careers.

At St Catherine's, A Level English Literature is a vibrant, discussion-rich course that combines academic challenge with intellectual curiosity, enabling pupils to develop as independent readers, thoughtful critics and confident communicators, fully prepared for university study and the opportunities that lie beyond.

Examination Board: Edexcel

IGCSE English Language SpecificationIGCSE English Literature Specification

The Next Stage in the Flight Path

When pupils begin IGCSE English, they already bring three years of practice in the core skills required for success in English Language and English Literature. Through the Middle School curriculum, they have practised literary analysis, poetry comparison, unseen poetry, transactional writing, imaginative writing and contextual study. This strong foundation allows pupils to approach IGCSE with confidence and familiarity, building upon existing skills rather than encountering them for the first time.

Our IGCSE curriculum combines academic rigour, intellectual curiosity and carefully structured support. Pupils are encouraged to think independently, explore alternative interpretations, read widely and communicate their ideas with clarity, precision and confidence. Through the study of literature and language, they develop the habits that prepare them not only for examination success but also for Sixth Form study and life beyond school.

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The Best of Examinations and Coursework

One of the strengths of the Edexcel International GCSE is its balanced approach to assessment. Pupils are able to demonstrate their strengths through both examinations and coursework, allowing them to grow as independent readers, writers and critical thinkers.

Coursework is carefully integrated into the teaching of each text. Rather than being treated as an additional task at the end of a unit, pupils plan, draft and refine their coursework responses as part of their study. Detailed teacher feedback and thoughtful redrafting help pupils deepen their understanding and produce work of which they can be genuinely proud. Throughout the course, pupils learn that excellent writing develops through reading, thinking, refining and improving.

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English Language IGCSE

The Edexcel International GCSE English Language course helps pupils become confident readers, thoughtful writers and effective communicators.

Pupils learn to analyse and compare a range of literary and non-fiction texts, exploring how writers communicate ideas and influence their readers. Alongside this, they practise writing accurately, creatively and persuasively for a variety of audiences and purposes.

Reading

Pupils develop the ability to:

• Analyse unseen non-fiction texts.
• Compare ideas, perspectives and viewpoints.
• Explore how writers use language and structure to create meaning.
• Select and evaluate textual evidence effectively.
• Create informed and supported interpretations.

Writing

Pupils develop their skills in:

• Transactional writing.
• Persuasive and discursive writing.
• Articles, speeches, letters and reviews
• Writing for different audiences and purposes
• Accurate spelling, punctuation and grammar
• Crafting engaging and effective written responses

Coursework

Pupils complete:

• A comparative essay exploring poetry and prose texts
• An imaginative writing portfolio. These pieces are shaped through drafting, teacher feedback and redrafting, allowing pupils to refine their ideas, strengthen their writing and develop independence as authors.

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English Literature IGCSE

The Literature course encourages pupils to engage deeply with a rich range of literary texts whilst building increasingly sophisticated analytical and evaluative skills.

Through the study of poetry, prose and drama, pupils learn to explore character, theme, context and alternative interpretations, gaining a deeper understanding of both literature and the world around them.

Modern Prose

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Building upon the introduction provided in Year 9, pupils develop a detailed understanding of character, theme and context whilst exploring the social, historical and economic realities of 1930s America.

Anthology Poetry

Pupils study a diverse collection of poems, building confidence in exploring themes, making comparisons and analysing poetic methods. Regular comparison practice helps pupils respond independently and effectively.

Unseen Poetry

Throughout the course, pupils regularly encounter and analyse previously unseen poems. By using a clear and consistent approach, pupils learn to respond confidently and thoughtfully to new texts.

Modern Drama Coursework

An Inspector Calls by J. B. Priestley

Pupils explore character, theme, dramatic methods and social context whilst creating increasingly detailed analytical responses. Coursework is carefully drafted and refined to allow pupils to produce their strongest possible work.

Literary Heritage Coursework

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

Building upon Shakespeare studies throughout Years 7–9, pupils deepen their understanding of character, conflict, theme and dramatic presentation. Through drafting, feedback and redrafting, pupils refine their analytical writing and deepen their appreciation of Shakespeare's craft.

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Lower 5 (Year 10)

Lower 5 marks the beginning of the formal IGCSE programme and provides the foundation for future examination and coursework success.

Significant emphasis is placed on analytical writing, contextual understanding and secure knowledge of the set texts. Coursework forms an integral part of the curriculum rather than being treated as an additional task at the end of a unit. As pupils study each text, they plan, draft and refine their coursework responses, receiving detailed guidance throughout the process. This approach allows pupils to engage deeply with the texts they are studying and ensures that every piece of coursework benefits from thoughtful redrafting before submission.

Alongside their text-based study, pupils regularly practise unseen poetry, poetry comparison, transactional writing and literary analysis. Through frequent retrieval practice, quotation learning and discussion, pupils build the confidence and knowledge needed for future success.

One of the distinctive features of our curriculum is the pace and depth of study achieved during Lower 5. By the end of the year, pupils have completed and practised the full range of skills assessed across both the English Language and English Literature courses. This means that pupils are able to sit full IGCSE-style examination papers at the end of Lower 5, an achievement that reflects both the ambition of the curriculum and the cumulative learning journey that begins in Year 7. The experience provides invaluable practice in examination conditions and allows pupils to enter Upper 5 with confidence, clear targets and a strong sense of their strengths and next steps.

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Upper 5 (Year 11)

Upper 5 is a year of refinement, independence and mastery.

Pupils revisit their set texts in increasing depth, strengthening their understanding of key themes, characters, contexts and interpretations. Literature coursework is completed and finalised through the drafting and redrafting process, while examination preparation focuses on confidence, accuracy and independence.

Regular retrieval practice, quotation learning, timed writing and discussion help pupils consolidate their knowledge and create increasingly sophisticated analytical responses. Because the core skills have been established throughout Years 7–10, pupils can focus on refining their ideas, improving their written expression and gaining a greater level of academic maturity.

Through systematic revision, expert teaching and extensive examination practice, pupils enter their final examinations well prepared and secure in their ability to succeed.

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Why Our Pupils Succeed

Success in IGCSE English is built on the habits, routines and confidence established throughout the curriculum.

Our pupils benefit from a course that combines the rigour of external examinations with the depth and reflection made possible through coursework. By drafting, refining and redrafting their work, pupils learn that success comes not simply from ability, but from thoughtful practice, perseverance and continual improvement.

Shared approaches such as PTQSC, Hand Plans, Progress Plans, quotation banks and regular retrieval practice provide pupils with a consistent framework for reading, thinking and writing. These tools help pupils become increasingly independent learners who are able to approach both coursework and examinations with confidence.

At the heart of the department is a simple belief: confidence grows through practice. As pupils encounter key approaches repeatedly and apply them across a range of texts and tasks, they gain not only the knowledge required for examination success but also a genuine appreciation of literature, language and the power of thoughtful communication.

Our guiding principle is simple: Frequency Makes Familiar. Through regular practice, expert guidance and ambitious expectations, pupils leave IGCSE English as confident readers, skilled writers and thoughtful critical thinkers, fully prepared for the challenges of Sixth Form study.

Middle School (Years 7-9)

A Whole-School Flight Path for Success

At St Catherine's, English is taught through a carefully planned and ambitious curriculum that begins in Year 7 and builds progressively towards IGCSE and A Level success.

We believe that pupils achieve their best when knowledge and skills are developed over time. Rather than seeing Years 7, 8 and 9 as separate stages, we view Middle School as the foundation of a continuous journey in which pupils develop as readers, writers, thinkers and communicators. Every unit of work has been carefully selected to prepare pupils for future success whilst fostering a genuine love of literature and language.

From their first term in Year 7, pupils begin practising many of the core habits and techniques required for English Language and English Literature. Through a spiral curriculum, this learning is revisited, refined and strengthened each year, allowing pupils to build confidence through regular practice and increasing challenge. By the time pupils begin their IGCSE courses, they are not encountering these approaches for the first time; they are developing and extending work they have already practised for three years.

Throughout Middle School, pupils develop the ability to:

• Read critically and independently.
• Explore how writers create meaning through language, structure and form.
• Analyse characters, themes and ideas with increasing sophistication.
• Compare literary texts and make meaningful connections.
• Respond confidently to unseen poetry.
• Write imaginatively, creatively and persuasively.
• Write effectively for a range of audiences and purposes.
• Develop informed personal responses supported by textual evidence.
• Understand the importance of literary, social and historical context.
• Speak confidently and thoughtfully in discussion and presentation.

Our shared approaches, including PTQSC, Hand Plans, quotation banks and the POEMS AREN'T CRAZY HARD framework, give pupils confidence, independence and a consistent approach to analytical and creative writing. These strategies support success throughout Middle School and create strong foundations for future examination and coursework success.

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Year 7 (Upper 3)

Year 7 introduces pupils to the key knowledge, skills and approaches that underpin the English curriculum throughout the school.

Pupils begin the year by studying Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, developing their understanding of character, theme, plot and dramatic methods whilst beginning their exploration of literary heritage texts. Alongside this study, they are introduced to transactional writing and learn how to adapt their writing for different audiences and purposes.

During the autumn term, pupils also undertake their first poetry comparison and unseen poetry studies. These important areas are revisited throughout Middle School and later form part of the IGCSE curriculum.

In the spring and summer terms, pupils study Terry Pratchett's Dodger, exploring character, theme, setting and historical context whilst shaping analytical and creative responses to literature. Alongside the novel, pupils continue to practise both imaginative and transactional writing.

The year concludes with the Victorian Poets Project, which encourages pupils to explore Victorian society and culture through independent research, reading and presentation.

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Year 8 (Lower 4)

Building upon the foundations established in Year 7, Year 8 encourages pupils to tackle increasingly complex themes, ideas and literary concepts.

Pupils begin with Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, exploring identity, relationships, comedy and disguise whilst continuing to strengthen analytical writing and literary understanding.

Throughout the year, pupils revisit poetry comparison and unseen poetry. This deliberate repetition allows pupils to secure previous learning and grow increasingly independent in their analysis.

In the spring and summer terms, pupils study Malorie Blackman's Noughts & Crosses, considering themes such as prejudice, justice, power, identity and society. The novel encourages thoughtful discussion and provides opportunities for increasingly sophisticated literary analysis. Alongside their literary studies, pupils continue to practise imaginative and transactional writing.

The year concludes with the Protest Poets Project, where pupils examine how poetry has been used to challenge ideas, express identity and inspire change.

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Year 9 (Upper 4)

Year 9 serves as an important bridge between Middle School and IGCSE study, enabling pupils to consolidate and extend the skills developed during Years 7 and 8.

Pupils begin the year with Shakespeare's The Tempest, exploring themes including power, responsibility, forgiveness and identity whilst deepening their understanding of literary heritage texts. Transactional writing continues throughout the year, helping pupils refine the writing techniques that will later be assessed at IGCSE.

Pupils revisit poetry comparison and unseen poetry, continuing to strengthen their analytical thinking and developing greater independence in their responses.

In the spring and summer terms, pupils study John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men. This provides an early introduction to one of the key texts studied at IGCSE, allowing pupils to develop a secure understanding of character, theme and context before beginning their examination courses. Through the novel, pupils explore life in 1930s America and begin making increasingly sophisticated links between text and context.

The year concludes with a creative project inspired by photographs of 1930s America. Pupils draw upon their research, contextual understanding and literary knowledge to inspire imaginative and empathetic creations.

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Skills for GCSE and Beyond

Across Years 7–9, pupils repeatedly practise the essential skills required for future success in IGCSE English Language and English Literature. These include:

• Literary analysis
• Comparative reading and writing
• Unseen poetry
• Shakespeare studies and coursework
• Modern prose analysis
• Contextual understanding
• Transactional writing
• Imaginative writing
• Independent research
• Planning, drafting, editing and redrafting
• Revision and study strategies

Through this carefully sequenced curriculum, pupils gain not only the academic skills needed for examination success but also the confidence, curiosity and independence that will support them throughout their education and beyond.

By the end of Year 9, pupils have already spent three years developing the core skills required for IGCSE English. GCSE is therefore not a sudden step up, but the next stage in a carefully planned journey that begins the moment they join St Catherine's.

For all current parents, reading lists are added on the community Library website pages here.