IGCSE TUTORING
Expert IGCSE English Literature Tutors
in Hong Kong
IGCSE students in Hong Kong are often required by their school to take IGCSE English Literature (via either the Edexcel or CAIE exam boards). No matter the syllabus, IGCSE English Literature is intellectually challenging, and helps students develop their analytical and communication skills. However, the tutors at BartyED acknowledge that IGCSE English Literature can be difficult for even the most motivated of students. That's why our team of tutors provide expert support across the various IGCSE syllabuses on offer in Hong Kong.
Common IGCSE English Literature challenges
| The challenge | How BartyED helps |
|---|---|
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Producing thorough annotations of set texts |
Many IGCSE English Literature students arrive to us with underdeveloped annotations on their set texts. BartyED's tutors prioritise a thorough consolidation of all examined texts, and the development of resources such that students can be confident that the material has not just been reviewed, but retained. |
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Approaching unseen texts with confidence |
Unseen textual analysis is challenging for any student, but it is a mandatory component of all IGCSE English Literature syllabuses. Our tutors encourage a replicable approach to unseen textual analysis that allows students to approach the task with greater confidence. |
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Writing in-depth PETAL paragraphs |
Students of IGCSE English Literature often struggle to understand feedback from teachers asking for 'greater depth' in their analysis. That's why our tutors spend time giving students clear guidance on how to produce this when analysing texts. |
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Preparing essays on minor characters or themes |
IGCSE English Literature students are expected to write analytical essays in response to their texts studied in class, which can include a focus on minor characters or themes. Our tutors ensure that each student is thoroughly prepared for possible exam questions, including identifying relevant quotations and lines of argument. |
BartyED ensures high-quality IGCSE English Literature tutoring
From our strict hiring process, through our comprehensive on-going tutor training, BartyED places a strong emphasis on teaching quality. Our reputation for rigour is at the heart of what we do.
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| Quality marker | What it involves | Impact on teaching |
|---|---|---|
3-phase hiring process |
Our 3-phase hiring process consists of a structured interview with Jerome, a written exam across proposed subject areas, and an engagement session to assess teaching style. |
A strong CV is not enough: candidates need to demonstrate strong subject knowledge, resilience and adaptability. We place our bar deliberately high in the full knowledge that most candidates will fail. Our students will benefit from the strong communication skills and pedagogical passion of the best applicants. |
Rigorous training programme |
Once hired, candidates undergo a six-month training programme to ensure deep subject and curriculum knowledge. This is conducted by our Heads of STEM and English/Humanities, and overseen by our Director of Studies. |
Examiners know their own syllabuses, so it's essential that we do, too. Our training programmes are designed to instil strong academic rigour, and consistent teaching across subjects. |
On-going professional development |
Whether in exam board workshops on the latest changes to the IGCSE English Literature marking criteria, or knowledge sharing across the team in informal sessions to improve our support of SEN students, our IGCSE English Literature tutors enjoy continued professional development. |
International curricula like the IBDP, A-Levels and IGCSEs are subject to change and adaptation. It's essential for teaching quality that our IGCSE English Literature tutors are ready and aware of all developments so we can maintain our exemplary support of all students. |
THE BARTYED DIFFERENCE
Why BartyED for IGCSE English Literature Tutoring
English-specialist tutors
Our English tutors are experts in their field, having graduated from top universities including Oxford, York, and King's College London. They have extensive experience in preparing students for IGCSE English Literature exams.
Exam technique for English Literature
From exam timings, to approaching essay plans effectively, our English Literature tutors are ready to give well-evidenced advice to students. They understand that, while exams are necessarily challenging, they don't have to feel impossible to manage.
Writing support
Many IGCSE students dread having to write extensive essays on texts, unsure of how to balance depth and exam timings. Our tutors work with students to develop replicable techniques for essay writing that demystify the process.
Personally vetted by Jerome
Every BartyED Humanities tutor sits a supervised written exam reviewed personally by Jerome, Hannah and the Head of the English and Humanities Department before joining the team. For English Literature, this involves roleplay exercises and a written paper analysing an unseen poem.
WHAT CLIENTS SAY
Success stories
Our students have gone on to Oxford, Edinburgh, UCL, Duke, Brown, and Harvard.
How English Literature is graded
In addition to taking English Literature in the Edexcel or CAIE exam boards, there is also substantial difference between CAIE's 2 syllabus options: World Literature and Literature in English.
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| Component | CAIE Literature in English | CAIE World Literature | Edexcel English Literature |
|---|---|---|---|
Paper 1 / Component 1 |
Section A: Students answer an essay question on the poetry studied in class. Section B: Students answer an essay question on the prose text studied in class. Students have access to blank copies of the texts for this exam (50 marks available, 1 hour 30 minutes, worth 50% of the final grade) |
Component 1 is the coursework. Students submit 2 pieces: a critical essay on a drama text, and an empathic writing response to a drama text. This component is internally assessed, and externally moderated. (50 marks available, worth 33% of the final grade) |
For Edexcel IGCSE English Literature students, Component 1 consists of 3 essays. One essay on a poem studied in class, one essay on an unseen poem, and finally an essay on a modern prose text studied in class. (90 marks available, 2 hours, worth 50% of the final grade) |
Paper 2 / Component 2 |
Section A: Students answer an essay question on the drama text studied in class (Students have access to blank copies of the text) Section B: Students answer an essay question on an unseen poem, or prose extract (50 marks available, 2 hours, worth 50% of the final grade) |
Candidates answer 2 compulsory essay questions: one on poetry studied in class, one on an unseen poem. (50 marks available, 1 hour 30 minutes, worth 33% of the final grade) |
Edexcel IGCSE English Literature Component 2 candidates must answer 2 questions: one on a drama studied in class, and one on a text written pre-1900, also studied in class. (60 marks available, 1 hour 30 minutes, worth 40% of the final grade) |
Paper 3 / Component 3 |
N/A |
IGCSE World Literature candidates must answer an extract-based essay question, as well as a broader essay question on a prose text studied in class. (50 marks available, 1 hour 30 minutes, worth 33% of the final grade) |
The Edexcel IGCSE in English Literature offers a non-examined/coursework version of the drama and literary heritage paper. (60 marks available, worth 40% of the final grade) |
WHAT WE COVER
Explore other IGCSE subjects we tutor
Frequently asked questions
The questions we get asked most about IGCSE English Literature.
IGCSE English Language and English Literature are two separate IGCSEs. While English Language focuses on general language comprehension and basic analysis skills, English Literature asks students to respond to the use of language in poetry, prose and drama specifically.
The IGCSE English Literature set texts vary according to the school. While both CAIE and Edexcel issue a select list of texts to choose from, the texts chosen are left up to the school's (and even individual teachers') discretion.
While it is not necessary to sit an IGCSE in a subject to then study it at A-Level or IBDP, the IGCSE prepares students well for further study. If a school offers an IGCSE in English Literature, and you wish to study that at IBDP or A-Level, taking advantage of the opportunity would likely be beneficial.
There are many suitable approaches for unseen analysis in IGCSE English Literature. Our tutors usually encourage students to start by understanding the story of the poem, before beginning to identify aspects such as tone, technique and theme.
Generally speaking, students find IGCSE English Literature more challenging than IGCSE English Language. This is because students are tested on their knowledge of and ability to manipulate a complex text, which is more difficult than simply summarising or analysing a text directly in front of you.
A qualified and experienced IGCSE English Literature tutor can be greatly beneficial. From well-founded advice, to opportunities to practice and hone essay writing skills, an IGCSE English Literature tutor provides invaluable support. If you're interested in learning more, get in touch with our team at Barty Education and Development today.
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FURTHER READING