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ACADEMICS
ACADEMICS
ACADEMICS
ACADEMICS

English Language and Literature

“The English language is like London: proudly barbaric yet deeply civilised, too, common yet royal, vulgar yet processional, sacred yet profane.” – Stephen Fry

 Introduction
TKHC is an English-medium school, and as such, building a solid foundation in the English language is crucial to students’ future success, not just in this subject, but across the curriculum. Each student is unique, no more so when it comes to their English background and learning needs. English classes are differentiated in terms of ability. Students that require foundational support in English attend English as an Additional Language (EAL) classes. These classes follow the mainstream curriculum, but provide more scaffolding and go at a slower pace. Supplementary after-school EAL classes are also provided as additional support to help students that require extra English language instruction and practice. All students subscribe to Achieve3000, an individually-differentiated reading programme that tracks their reading level.

Our school-based programme is geared towards providing students with a varied, engaging curriculum that aims to develop the key language skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening in authentic and meaningful ways. The curriculum is flexible and adaptive, with a focus on developing the skills students need rather than merely covering content at a break-neck pace, particularly in the Foundation Years (G7-G9). A rich selection of texts are covered at each grade level, including novels and plays and other fiction and non-fiction titles.

Foundation Years Programme (G7-G8)
The G7-G8 Foundation Years Programme in English Language and Literature is designed to enable students to establish a firm foundation in English and to arouse their interest and curiosity in the language through the exploration of a range of text types and genres. During this stage, students are exposed to a wide range of literary text-types as well as working to develop fundamental language skills, namely spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG).

In Grade 7, students enjoy writing about themselves and their school life. They complete some autobiographical writing and explore a rich selection of both fiction and non-fiction texts such as poetry, folktales as well as a novel and a play.

Throughout Grade 8, students learn about how language is used effectively in non-fiction and transactional writing including the news and informative texts, as well as study short stories, a novel and a play.

In both Grade 7 and Grade 8, students engage in a joint-subject collaborative unit with Drama where students are encouraged to explore not just the language and literary elements of a play, but also the performative, theatrical aspect. This varied and solid grounding will prepare students equally well for future studies in English Language and/or English Literature at IGCSE level and beyond.

IGCSE Programme (G9-G10)
Catering to students’ language needs and differentiation is achieved at IGCSE level through the course that students take in G9-G10. Students prepare for either the IGCSE English as a Second Language course or IGCSE First Language English course. Students completing the latter course may also opt to study IGCSE English Literature.

IGCSE English as a Second Language is suitable for learners who already have a good working knowledge of the language and want to improve their ability to understand and use English in a range of situations. The course is very practical in nature and there are assessments in all four language skills: Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. The focus is very much on practical communication which can also form the basis for further, more in-depth language study.

The natural and recommended pathway for students taking this course is Language B for students opting to take IBDP in G11-G12. There is no compulsory language requirement for A-Level.

IGCSE First Language English is designed for near-native or native English speakers. The course develops skills in general analysis and understanding the writer’s craft, as well as communication skills such as inference, and the ability to order facts and present opinions effectively. Assessment in this course focuses on reading and writing skills; there are no speaking or listening components.

The natural and recommended pathway for students taking this course is Language A for students opting to take IBDP in G11-G12. There is no compulsory language requirement for A-Level.