English Literature.
Study great literature and learn to write about it with insight. Our course prepares students for Cambridge IGCSE Literature in English (0475), reading, interpreting and responding to poetry, prose and drama from Shakespeare to contemporary writers.
What to expect.
Students study set texts across the three literary genres — poetry, prose and drama. They develop close reading skills, learn to analyse the ways writers use language, structure and form to shape meaning, and write structured analytical essays that communicate a sensitive, informed personal response. Lessons are discussion-led, encouraging genuine engagement with texts while building the technical vocabulary and essay skills the examiner rewards.
Topics covered.
Poetry
Close analysis of set poems from anthologies such as Songs of Ourselves. Language, imagery, form, structure, theme and the writer’s effects.
Prose
A set novel or short stories studied in depth — character, theme, narrative voice, context and the writer’s craft.
Drama
A set play (often Shakespeare or a modern classic). Stagecraft, dialogue, dramatic tension and a writer’s intentions on the page and stage.
Unseen critical reading
Writing a critical commentary on a poem or prose extract not studied before — the confidence to analyse any text independently.
Personal response
Moving beyond surface meaning to explore ideas and attitudes, and to communicate a sensitive, informed and evaluative personal view.
Essay technique
Planning, structuring and writing analytical essays. Using quotations as evidence, embedding analysis and writing to time.
Beyond the syllabus.
- Close reading and textual analysis
- Structured analytical essay writing
- Understanding literary context and genre
- Comparative and evaluative thinking
- Independent response to unseen texts
How progress is measured.
Cambridge IGCSE Literature in English (0475). All candidates sit Paper 1 Poetry and Prose (1h 30m, 50 marks, 50%), answering one poetry and one prose question on set texts. Candidates then take either Paper 2 Drama (1h 30m, 50 marks, 50%, two questions on two texts), or one of the optional shorter routes: Paper 3 Drama (Open Text) (45 minutes, 25 marks, 25%) paired with either Paper 4 Unseen (1h 15m, 25 marks, 25%, a critical commentary on a poem or prose extract) or Component 5 Coursework (25 marks, 25%, a portfolio of two assignments on different texts). All four assessment objectives carry equal weight. At BOS, students rehearse with timed essays and full mock papers, and every essay is marked against the Cambridge criteria with detailed feedback.
Where it leads.
Cambridge IGCSE Literature in English is recognised by universities and sixth forms worldwide and is benchmarked as comparable to a UK GCSE. It provides the analytical foundation for A-Level English Literature, Cambridge International AS & A Level, the IB or further study across the humanities.
How english literature lessons work.
Live & interactive.
Every lesson is delivered live by a qualified teacher. Students participate through voice, chat, whiteboards and breakout rooms.
Small classes.
Maximum fifteen students per class. Every child gets individual attention, feedback and support throughout the lesson.
Recorded for review.
Every lesson is recorded and available on the student portal. Students can re-watch, revise and catch up at any time.
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