IGCSE English Literature (Edexcel)

What is the course about?

The IGCSE English Literature course is written in the same friendly and approachable style as my other courses. It builds on the skills taught in the English Language course and for this reason, many students like to study the two courses together, although it isn’t a necessity.

What books do we study in the course?

The Edexcel English Literature course recommends that you study four texts and I’ve chosen Pride and Prejudice, The Whale Rider and An Inspector Calls (together with the poetry anthology). I chose these texts because I think they’re approachable, enjoyable and not too difficult to write about. Hopefully this means that more students will be drawn to study English Literature.

I love all these books and hope to convey something of my passion, so during the course I’ll tell you about the context in which these texts were produced together with the incredible lives of their authors. You’ll discover how Jane Austen and J B Priestley created such vivid and memorable characters as Mr Darcy and Inspector Goole, together with an understanding of how they wove such compelling literary works around them – texts which have stood the test of time.

The course will not only prepare you for the exam but will also give you a secure grounding in the study of English Literature and help with essay writing skills. I hope that by the time you complete the course, you’ll have developed a lifelong love of literature and books as well as passing the exam, of course!

What is the structure of the course?

The course consists of five units:

1. Literary Heritage Texts: Pride and Prejudice

2. Poetry: The Edexcel Poetry Anthology

3. Drama: An Inspector Calls

4. Modern Prose: The Whale Rider

5. Revision and exam preparation

There are 13 tutor marked assignments, including a mock exam, together with practice exercises to help you consolidate what you’ve learned. As usual, there is unlimited phone and email support.

Annotated Pride & Prejudice

I have produced a fully annotated version of Pride and Prejudice especially for this course. This will not only make the text more accessible and enjoyable but will also act as a study guide. This is available as an e-book to students enrolled on the English Literature course but is also available as a printed book for £15.

Click the images for a free sample

Do I need to buy anything else?

In addition to this Pride and Predudice you will also need to purchase:

• The Whale Rider, Witi Ihimaera

• An Inspector Calls (any edition will do)

You will also need to have access to the BBC Pride and Prejudice (1994) and a drama version of An Inspector Calls (any version will do).

The Whale Rider DVD does not follow the story of the book but is a superb resource for the novel’s background.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does the course take?

• It varies. Most students take 8 months from starting the course to sitting the exam, but you can do it more quickly and take longer if you wish (there is no time limit on any of my courses). 

What pace should I go at?

• It’s always good to aim to complete the course a month before the exam to give time for past paper practice. So divide the remaining weeks by the number of chapters in the course and that should give you your pace.

What if I get stuck?

• Pick up the phone or email me - I am here to help! If you have a block about a particular assignment it is usually better to move on with the course and come back to it later.

Can I type my assignments?

• Only if you have dispensation to do so in the exam (or intend to get dispensation), otherwise, it’s got to be handwriting I'm afraid. We can all type more quickly than we can write so typing assignments gives an unrealistic expectation of what you can produce in the exam (and what it will look like!).

What about special educational requirements?

• The best thing to do is pick up the phone and talk to me and tell me what you need. Over the years I have helped students with a range of special requirements resulting from dyslexia, Aspergers and other physical or mental conditions that get in the way of their ability to do justice to themselves in English. I can’t promise that I’ll be able to help, but if I can help, I will.

What's included in the course?

As soon as you enrol on the course you’ll receive a welcome email with a link to enable you to download the full course in PDF format. For extra cost you can opt for printed versions of the course book and/or the Annotated Pride and Prejudice, which you should receive within a few days. 

• All course materials are available via a private section on my website which you can access anytime

• Prompt and encouraging feedback on all assignments

• Unlimited (within reason!) email and telephone support

I'm happy to talk over the phone, you can call me on ‭07722 642709 or email at info@catherinemooneytutoring.co.uk