iGCSE English Literature
It’s been a monumental beginning to the new academic year at the British School of St Petersburg. We celebrated our fifth year of operation by moving campus and expanding into the first year of iGCSE with Year 10. The iGCSE examinations are designed for students who wish to progress to complete their A-levels - or other international equivalents - before entering university, with A-levels being accepted worldwide by over 150 countries.
English is delivered as two subjects - English language and English literature. The first one explores and dissects the way texts are structured and, in turn, are composed to create effect. It involves grammar and comprehending the hidden meanings underlying a piece of writing across a range of genres. A far cry from simply language acquisition advertised by other ‘international schools’ here in St Petersburg.
English literature on the other hand, involves the study and appreciation of literary classics of prose, poetry and drama. During these lessons, we delve into the focal text, in our current case, Charles Dickens’ ‘Great Expectations’ - examining its vocabulary, themes and context. We consider setting, characters, plot lines, stimulating critical discussions on thoughts, ideas and interpretations.
It is true that I am a native English speaker, but this does not automatically define me as a qualified teacher experienced to deliver this subject. Rather, it’s my education, undertaken in a similar system and format, where I myself as a literature student, in my final years of school and university, fell in love with the works we examined; Shakespeare, Austen and Tolstoy - My favourite book remains Anna Karenina and one reason why I wanted to move to Russia originally. It is in the reading conferences I have taken part in across the globe; in Thailand, Qatar and the USA. My collaborative work across a district of nine schools - both US and UK curriculum - where I was tasked to further develop reading and writing curriculums to boost student outcomes. My Continued Professional Development, where I immerse myself in up to date research in effective teaching practices being utilised worldwide.
English literature isn’t simply picking up a book, reading the words and filling in a closed passage in a student workbook. It’s ensuring you’re guided by a passionate, knowledgeable and qualified teacher who extends you to view the world with a completely different perspective. In the case of our founding English Literature class, we are fortunate enough to also be further supported by experts in their field. James Harding is an Educational Consultant working with the School’s Trust who runs online workshops with our Year 10 cohort to further enhance our English iGCSE programme. Most recently, we were given a tour of Dickens’ hometown, as well as being taken on an insightful tour of the real life places that we had just read about in the opening chapters of ‘Great Expectations,’ creating even more meaning and bringing the book to life.
My hope is, that through all our workshops, sessions and classes, we ignite a true genuine love for classical literature, as in the words of Dickens himself, ‘We never tire of the friendships we form with books.’
Miss Herman, Deputy Headteacher
