The
English Department offers its students up to five different Cambridge
University international examination courses, three of which are part
of the International General Certificate of Secondary Education curriculum.
These courses, and their respective examinations not only give direction
to our secondary programmes, but also provide internationally accepted
benchmarks of language proficiency.
Preliminary English
Test (PET)
Students entering 6th grade get a taste of what awaits them in Upper
School by preparing for the PET, their first international English exam.
They revise grammar, build up their vocabulary, expand their reading skills,
practice letter-writing and filling in forms, and learn how to do a variety
of speaking tasks with a partner. Despite the tender age of our candidates,
they have risen to the challenge and are achieving good results.
| IGCSE
English Courses IGCSE is used in schools by over 100 countries and is recognised around the world for university entrance purposes. Indeed, many educators regard it as the best preparation for the IB. We prepare students for three different examinations: English as a first language, English as a second language and Literature. |
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English as a Second Language is offered to the majority of students in Form III and IV. This intensive two year course is designed to enable students to use English effectively for the purpose of practical communication in a variety of second language situations. Students are assessed on Reading and Writing, Speaking, Listening and Usage.
| Literature is offered to those students who show a natural ability in analysing texts, as well as a enjoyment of reading in general. Students will study the literary genres of poetry, prose and drama through well known works. This will include the study of a play by William Shakespeare. Throughout the two year course, pupils are taught to analyse literary passages in depth, thus providing them with skills they need for both English A1 and English A2 in the IB programme. This course is taught alongside the English as a Second Language and English as a First Language courses. | ||
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English as a First
Language
Only students who have native or near native English will be selected
to follow this demanding two year course. Assessment will be based on
the students' ability to analyse an unseen text, as well as write in a
specific style (narrative, descriptive, argumentative/discursive).