IGCSE English Literature at Brampton College: Explore Stories, Analyse Meaning, Discover Voice.
Do you love reading powerful stories, exploring the depths of human experience through poetry, or analysing what makes a great tragedy unforgettable?
At Brampton College in London, our one-year Edexcel IGCSE English Literature course (4ET1) gives students the opportunity to engage with timeless and modern literary works, from Shakespearean drama to global prose and contemporary poetry. You’ll learn to interpret themes, characterisation, language, and structure while developing your own critical voice as a reader and essayist.
Whether you’re preparing for A Levels in English, building a foundation for university-level Humanities, or simply want to appreciate literature at a deeper level, this course will expand your thinking and sharpen your analytical skills.
Why Study IGCSE English Literature at Brampton College?
Study Great Literature Across Time and Culture
From Macbeth to The Whale Rider, and from unseen poems to an anthology of powerful verse,
you’ll examine how authors use form, tone, and imagery to explore universal ideas like love, power, identity, and justice.
Write with Insight and Precision
Our course strengthens your ability to respond to texts clearly, analytically, and creatively. You’ll craft essays that explore meaning, compare texts, and argue interpretations using evidence and critical language.
Build Skills for A Level and Beyond
IGCSE English Literature is an ideal foundation for A Level English Literature or subjects like History, Philosophy, and Politics. The skills of literary analysis and persuasive writing are also essential for degrees in Law, Journalism, and Social Sciences.
For Both UK and International Students
Whether you’re a native speaker or studying in the UK from abroad, this globally recognised IGCSE helps you build literary knowledge and academic English in a fast-paced, supportive environment.
What You’ll Study: IGCSE English Literature Course Overview (Edexcel 4ET1)
Paper 1: Poetry and Modern Prose
Exam Duration: 2 hours
Weighting: 60% of final grade
Students will study the following components:
● Unseen Poetry – Analyse and respond to a modern poem without prior preparation.
● Anthology Poetry – Explore a selection of poems from a curated collection.
● Modern Prose: The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera – A rich, character-driven narrative exploring cultural identity, tradition, and resilience.
Exam Structure:
● 1 question on Unseen Poetry (choice of 1)
● 1 question on the Poetry Anthology (choice of 2)
● 1 question on Modern Prose (choice of 2)
● This is a closed book exam
● Total Marks Available: 90
Paper 3: Coursework Portfolio
Weighting: 40% of final grade
Two Assignments (30 marks each)
● Assignment A: Essay on A View from the Bridge by Arthur Miller
● Assignment B: Essay on Macbeth by William Shakespeare
These assignments allow you to explore key texts in depth, develop personal interpretations, and refine your essay writing style over time with structured feedback.
Skills You’ll Build
● Literary and thematic analysis
● Comparative essay writing
● Understanding of historical, cultural, and social context
● Development of personal response and interpretation
● Precision in argumentation and textual evidence
● Time management and structured thinking
These transferable skills are invaluable for future success in A Levels, university applications, interviews, and a wide variety of career paths.
Who Should Study IGCSE English Literature?
This course is perfect for students who:
● Are passionate about reading and discussing literature
● Want to progress to A Level English Literature or similar subjects
● Aspire to careers in Law, Media, Journalism, Education, or the Arts
● Need to build strong analytical writing and comprehension skills
● Are international students aiming for UK academic pathways
Future Pathways with IGCSE English Literature
IGCSE English Literature opens doors to a wide range of academic and career opportunities. Students who excel in this course often go on to study at prestigious UK universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, LSE, Durham, and King’s College London.
Typical progression routes include:
● A Level English Literature, History, Politics, or Philosophy
● Degrees in English, Law, Journalism, Education, or Creative Writing
● Careers in Media, Public Relations, Teaching, Publishing, or the Arts
Whether you want to become a novelist, lawyer, editor, or simply a better thinker and communicator, IGCSE English Literature at Brampton sets you on the right path.
