Why study English?

English at BISC is not only important academically, but is essential for developing a life-long enjoyment of literature and encouraging students to become independent critical readers. The IB Literature course will introduce students to ideas and experiences that offer a deeper appreciation of the social, cultural and political world we live in.

Course Overview

Unit 1: Time and Space

This area of exploration focuses on the idea that language is a social capacity and as such is intertwined with community, culture and history. Students will examine how cultural conditions can affect language and how these conditions are a product of language. Students will also consider the ways culture and identity influence reception. Students will investigate ways in which texts may represent, and be understood from a variety of cultural and historical perspectives. 

Unit 2: Intertextuality

This area of exploration focuses on the concerns of intertextuality, or the connections between and among media, text and audience involving diverse traditions and ideas. It focuses on the comparative study of texts so that students may gain a deeper appreciation of both unique characteristics of individual texts and complex systems of connection. Throughout the course, students will be able to see similarities and differences among diverse texts. 

Unit 3: Readers, Writers and Texts

This area introduces students to the nature of language and literature and their study. The investigation undertaken involves close attention to the details of texts in a variety of types and literary forms so that students learn about the choices made by creators and the ways in which meaning is communicated through words, images, and sound.

Option 1: Language and Literature SL (4 literary texts plus a range of non-literary texts)

Assessment:

Paper 1: Guided textual analysis (1 hours 15 minutes)

The paper consists of two non-literary passages, from two different text types, each accompanied by a question. Students write an analysis of each of the passages. (20 marks = 35% of grade)

Paper 2: Comparative essay (1 hour 45 minutes)

The paper consists of four general questions. In response to one question students write a comparative essay based on two works studied in the course. (25 marks = 35% of grade)

Individual Oral (15 minutes): Supported by an extract from both one non-literary text and one from a literary work, students will offer a prepared response of 10 minutes, followed by 5 minutes of questions by the teacher, to the following prompt: Examine the ways in which the global issue of your choice is presented through the content and form of two of the works that you have studied. (40 marks = 30% of grade)

Option 2: Language and Literature HL (6 texts plus a range of non-literary texts)

Assessment:

Paper 1: Guided textual analysis (2 hours 15 minutes)

The paper consists of two non-literary passages, from two different text types, each accompanied by a question. Students write an analysis of each of the passages. (40 marks = 35% of grade)

Paper 2: Comparative essay (1 hour 45 minutes)

The paper consists of four general questions. In response to one question students write a comparative essay based on two works studied in the course. (25 marks = 25% of grade)

HL Essay: Students submit a 1200-1500 word essay on one non-literary text or a collection of non-literary texts by one same author, or a literary text or work studied during the course. (20 marks =20% of grade) 

Individual Oral (15 minutes): Supported by an extract from both one non-literary text and one from a literary work, students will offer a prepared response of 10 minutes, followed by 5 minutes of questions by the teacher, to the following prompt: Examine the ways in which the global issue of your choice is presented through the content and form of two of the works that you have studied. (40 marks = 20% of grade)

Option 3: Literature SL (7 literary texts)

Assessment:

Paper 1: Guided textual analysis (1 hours 15 minutes)

The paper consists of two literary passages, from two different literary forms, each accompanied by a question. Students write an analysis of each of the passages. (20 marks = 35% of grade)

Paper 2: Comparative essay (1 hour 45 minutes)

The paper consists of four general questions. In response to one question students write a comparative essay based on two works studied in the course. (25 marks = 35% of grade)

Individual Oral (15 minutes): Supported by an extract from both one text originally written in English and one translated text, students will offer a prepared response of 10 minutes, followed by 5 minutes of questions by the teacher, to the following prompt: Examine the ways in which the global issue of your choice is presented through the content and form of two of the works that you have studied. (40 marks = 30% of grade)

Option 4: Literature HL (10 literary texts)

Assessment:

Paper 1: Guided textual analysis (2 hours 15 minutes)

The paper consists of two passages from two different literary forms, each accompanied by a question. Students write an analysis of each of the passages. (40 marks = 35% of grade)

Paper 2: Comparative essay (1 hour 45 minutes)

The paper consists of four general questions. In response to one question students write a comparative essay based on two works studied in the course. (25 marks = 25% of grade)

HL Essay: Students submit a 1200-1500 word essay on one literary text studied during the course. (20 marks = 20% of grade) 

Individual Oral (15 minutes): Supported by an extract from both one text originally written in English and one translated text, students will offer a prepared response of 10 minutes, followed by 5 minutes of questions by the teacher, to the following prompt: Examine the ways in which the global issue of your choice is presented through the content and form of two of the works that you have studied. (40 marks = 20% of grade)

Key Skills for all five options:

Candidates will be expected to REFLECT critically on their reading and develop:

• An ability to engage in independent literary criticism, showing a personal response where appropriate.
• An ability to express ideas clearly and precisely both in written and oral communication.
• A thorough knowledge and appreciation of the works studied.
• An appreciation of the similarities and differences between works studied.
• An appreciation of the literary devices and techniques used by authors.
• And ability to structure a well-planned and consistently argued response.

Entry Requirements

Higher Level English Language and Literature option, it is suggested you score at least a Grade 6 in IGCSE English First Language. 

For English Literature at Higher Level, students will perform better if a Grade 6 is obtained in IGCSE English First Language and IGCSE English Literature.  

Standard Level English students will perform better if a Grade 5 is secured in both IGCSE English First Language English and IGCSE English Literature.

Whether you elect to study at Higher or Standard Level bring along:

• An open mind.
• A sense of adventure.
• Curiosity
• A hunger to learn!