In grades 9 & 10 English classes, students continue to develop their ability to communicate fluently and effectively in English in a wide range of situations. Students are also encouraged to read widely, both for their own enjoyment and to further their awareness of the ways in which English can be used. Students apply more general analysis and communication skills such as inference, and the ability to order facts and present opinions effectively. Students take either IGCSE First Language English or IGCSE English as a Second Language.

The aims of Cambridge IGCSE First Language English are to:

• Understand and respond to what is heard, read, and experienced
• Communicate accurately, appropriately, confidently, and effectively
• Enjoy and appreciate a variety of language
• Complement the ability to work with information and ideas in other areas of study
• Develop skills of analysis, synthesis and the drawing of inferences
• Promote personal development and an understanding of themselves and others

The aims of Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language are to:

• Develop the ability to use English effectively for the purpose of practical communication
• Build a solid foundation for the listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills required for further study or employment using English as the medium
• Develop awareness of the nature of language and language-learning skills
• Promote personal development

Students are assessed both internally and externally at the end of grade 10 through coursework and an external Cambridge IGCSE exam for First Language English. English as a Second Language students also complete listening and speaking exams.

IB Diploma Programme

In grades 11 & 12 English classes, students choose one of the two IB courses offered:

• English A: Language and Literature (SL, HL)
• English B (SL, HL)

In English A classes, students develop an understanding of how language, culture and context determine the ways in which meaning is constructed in texts. They are encouraged to think critically about the different interactions between text, audience, and purpose. The course is designed for students who have experience using English in an academic context. The course is comprised of four parts, two of which are based around language and two around literature.

In English B classes, a course designed for students with some previous experience of the language, the main focus is on language acquisition and development of the four primary Language Skills: Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. These Language Skills are developed through the study and use of a range of written and spoken material as well as by audio-visual stimuli. Such material extends from everyday oral exchanges to literary texts. It will oftentimes relate to the culture(s) concerned. The material is chosen in order to enable students to develop mastery of the previously mentioned Language Skills and to make the language a communicative and analytical tool in a wide variety of contexts. It is not intended solely for the study of specific subject matter or content but rather as an efficient communicative tool.

The aims of IB English A course are to:

• Introduce students to a range of texts from different periods, styles and genres
• Develop in students the ability to engage in close, detailed analysis of individual texts and make relevant connections
• Develop the students’ powers of expression, both in oral and written communication
• Encourage students to recognize the importance of the contexts in which texts are written and received
• Encourage, through the study of texts, an appreciation of the different perspectives of people from other cultures, and how these perspectives construct meaning
• Encourage students to appreciate the formal, stylistic and aesthetic qualities of texts
• Promote in students an enjoyment of, and lifelong interest in, language and literature
• Develop in students an understanding of how language, culture and context determine the ways in which meaning is constructed in texts
• Encourage students to think critically about the different interactions between text, audience and purpose

The aims of IB English B course are to:

• develop students’ intercultural understanding
• enable students to understand and use the language they have studied in a range of contexts and for a variety of purposes
• encourage, through the study of texts and through social interaction, an awareness and appreciation of the different perspectives of people from other cultures
• develop students’ awareness of the role of language in relation to other areas of knowledge
• develop students’ awareness of the relationship between the languages and cultures with which they are familiar
• provide students with a basis for further study, work and leisure through the use of an additional language
• provide the opportunity for enjoyment, creativity and intellectual stimulation through knowledge of an additional language.

Students are assessed both internally and externally at the end of Grade 12 through IB examinations. The internally assessed components are also externally moderated by IB.