Pre-IGCSE English Literature

This course provides a gentle introduction to English literature and encourages reading pleasure for all students in their early teens.

Course Fee: from £180

What is the course about and who’s it for?

The Pre-IGCSE English Literature course has been created for all students aged between 11 and 13 (approximately). Its purpose is two-fold. First of all it encourages reading pleasure in young people, whether they want to go on to study the subject at IGCSE level or not. It is an inclusive course too – dyslexic students are welcome – and covers audio books and other formats, as well as printed books. It encourages students to choose their own books: a book token is included in the course and the first chapter shows students how to find books they will enjoy and spend their token. 

The second purpose of the course is more conventional, introducing students to the various genres of English Literature, including fiction, poetry, drama, the classics and other literary forms. It introduces key aspects of literature, such as character, plot, literary techniques and how to formulate written answers in an essay. This course provides an excellent foundation for my IGCSE English Literature course for students who are inspired to explore the subject in more depth. 

As with my other courses, the Pre-IGCSE English Literature course doesn’t presuppose any prior knowledge (other than an ability to read and write). It is intended to be enjoyable and approachable, equipping students with what they need to enjoy reading for the rest of their lives, opening the door to a world of books which the student may or may not choose to venture through. Children who enjoyed stories when they were young often find their interest waning in adolescence. I hope this course will help such students reclaim that territory by focusing on the pleasure to be had from books. Literature isn’t for everyone, and I don’t want any child to feel bad about not wanting to read. However I hope this course will help a student to give it a fair chance.

What does the course consist of?

The course is colourful and user-friendly with lots of helpful exercises, together with 10 tutor-marked assignments for which full feedback is provided. There is unlimited (within reason!) phone and email support. One useful aspect of this course is that it can help to acclimatise both parent and child to studying alongside a distance-learning tutor.  It is also helpful for students who don't yet want the full commitment of an exam-oriented course but want to improve and/or maintain their skills. Students who perhaps lack the maturity to begin the full IGCSE English Literature course will also benefit from the pre-IGCSE English Literature course.

As with most of my courses it is available as an e-book with downloadable files or as a printed book (at extra cost). Audio files are also available.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the course take?

It varies. Most students take around 8 months 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 important to go at your own pace – you shouldn’t feel you are rushing the course, but nor should it be gathering dust on the shelf. You should be feeling comfortably challenged but enjoying yourself (for the most part!).

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?

Unless you are likely to get dispensation to type in an eventual exam (so you have dyslexia or some other special requirement), I prefer assignments to be handwritten. We can all type more quickly than we can write so typing assignments gives an unrealistic expectation of what you will eventually produce in the exam. I know the Pre-IGCSE course isn’t an exam course, but handwriting is a motor skill so it’s important to practise at every opportunity you get! However if you are just taking this course to enhance reading pleasure and don’t intend to take the IGCSE course, then typing is fine.

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, Asperger’s 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, I will. 

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