IGCSE English Literature (Edexcel)

Who is this course for and what’s it about?

The IGCSE English Literature course is written in the same friendly and approachable style as my other courses. It builds on the skills taught in the English Language course and for this reason, many students like to study the two courses together, although it isn’t a necessity. An IGCSE in English Literature isn’t necessary for college or university entrance (unlike English Language), however it is an enjoyable course and can enhance love of reading while providing a GCSE level qualification.

How is the course delivered?

As soon as you enrol you’ll receive a welcome email with a link to download the full course and annotated Pride and Prejudice in PDF format. There’s also the option to purchase the course along with Pride and Prejudice as a printed book if you prefer (the pdfs are included with this option). There’s also a comprehensive range of additional materials to support your study, including Punctuation Pages and a fully annotated version of the poetry anthology. If you’ve opted for Zoom classes (more details below) a timetable will be emailed within a few days so you can choose your preferred time slots.

The course consists of five units. The first 4 units have 3 chapters each:

1. Literary Heritage Texts: Pride and Prejudice

2. Poetry: The Edexcel Poetry Anthology

3. Drama: An Inspector Calls

4. Modern Prose: The Whale Rider

5. Revision and exam preparation

You work through the course at your own pace, completing the exercises and assignments for each chapter. When you have completed a chapter and its assignment, email it to me (phone photos are fine) and I shall get back to you within 48 hours with clear and encouraging feedback. If you get stuck at any point just pick up the phone or drop me an email!

There are 13 tutor marked assignments, including a mock exam, together with practice exercises to help you consolidate what you’ve learned. In the Exam Resources section of my website you’ll find model answers to typical exam questions, too. By the time you take the exam you’ll have had good, solid practice and feedback in each of the exam tasks. Hopefully you’ll have enjoyed the process, too!

What books do we study in the course?

For the Edexcel English Literature exam you study four texts and I’ve chosen Pride and Prejudice, The Whale Rider and An Inspector Calls (together with the Edexcel Poetry Anthology). I chose these texts because I think they’re approachable, enjoyable and not too difficult to write about. Hopefully this means that more students will be drawn to study English Literature.

I love all these books and hope to convey something of my passion, so during the course I’ll tell you about the context in which these texts were produced together with the incredible lives of their authors. You’ll discover how Jane Austen and J B Priestley created such vivid and memorable characters as Mr Darcy and Inspector Goole, together with an understanding of how they wove such compelling literary works around them – texts which have stood the test of time.

The course will not only prepare you for the exam but will also give you a secure grounding in the study of English Literature and help with essay writing skills. I hope that by the time you complete the course, you’ll have developed a lifelong love of literature and books as well as passing the exam, of course!

Annotated Pride & Prejudice

I have produced a fully annotated version of Pride and Prejudice especially for this course. This will not only make the text more accessible and enjoyable but will also act as a study guide. This is available as an e-book to students enrolled on the English Literature course but is also available as a printed book for £15.

Click the images for a free sample

Do I need to buy anything else?

In addition to Pride and Prejudice you’ll also need to buy the following texts:

• The Whale Rider, Witi Ihimaera

• An Inspector Calls, J B Priestley (any edition will do)

You’ll also need to access to the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice (1994) and a drama version of An Inspector Calls (any version will do).

The Whale Rider DVD does not follow the story of the book but is a superb resource for the novel’s background.

Optional Zoom classes

The Zoom classes are optional monthly sessions that supplement the core work in the IGCSE course. They take place in small groups and each class lasts 60 minutes (including a 5-minute set-up time). These live classes are a great opportunity to explore key topics in more depth while letting students ask questions if they wish. A lovely camaraderie sets up in the group, too, which can be especially valuable for home educated students who don’t always have that opportunity.

Each month students are emailed a short handout with exercises to help them get the most out of the class. There’s also a follow-up mini-assignment to consolidate skills. Participation in the preparatory exercises and mini-assignment is optional.

All sessions are recorded and students have ongoing access to the recordings, together with any visual materials I use, while they are enrolled on the course. Students can opt out of video participation if they wish.

Do the classes keep pace with the course?

In broad terms, yes, if you’re starting in September/October and aiming to take the exam the following summer. If you enrol later you can catch up on recorded sessions, just contact me directly to arrange this.

You can book Zoom classes in batches of 5 or 10 sessions. Trial sessions are also available - again, just contact me directly.

All classes are on a Thursday at 11.15. If this doesn’t suit your timetable get in touch with me to organise audience of the recordings and extra work.

When you apply for a course and opt in to the Zoom classes, you’ll automatically be enrolled on the upcoming sessions. If for any reason you can’t join a class I’ll do my best to accommodate you in a recorded session. If this can’t be arranged you’ll still have access to the recorded session and optional exercises and assignments.

NB Regrettably, because of the huge logistical challenges in organising the sessions in the first place, I can’t give refunds for non-attendance. However you will be able to view the recorded lesson, do the exercises and mini-assignment and get feedback.

What’s the cost of the Zoom classes?

The Zoom classes are booked in blocks of 5 or 10 and the fees are:

            5 classes = £175

            10 classes = £335

As well as the class, this fee covers the preparatory exercises, the follow up mini assignments and access to the Zoom class videos, audios and transcripts for as long as you’re enrolled on the course.

The last Zoom class is a live mock exam of Paper 1, with guidance, which will last around 2.75 hours. We begin with 15 minutes guidance then have a break before each section which includes further guidance about the upcoming section. Students can ask questions throughout and the papers are fully marked with feedback. All guidance is recorded. These live mocks were incredibly successful last year and students felt much better prepared going into the exam.

For Zoom class sibling rates, please contact me.

Zoom class timetable September 2026

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does the course take?

• It varies. Most students take 8 months from starting the course to sitting the exam, but you can do it more quickly and take longer if you wish (there is no time limit on any of my courses). 

What pace should I go at?

• Try to complete the course a month before the exam to give time for past paper practice. To work out your pace divide the remaining weeks by the number of chapters in the course.

What if I get stuck?

• Pick up the phone or email me - I’m here to help! If you have a block about a particular assignment it is usually better to move on with the course and come back to it later. Don’t agonise for days or weeks - email me. I can usually suggest a workaround.

Can I type my assignments?

• Only if you have dispensation to do so in the exam (or intend to get dispensation), otherwise, it’s got to be handwriting I'm afraid. We can all type more quickly than we can write so typing assignments gives an unrealistic expectation of what you can produce in the exam (and what it will look like!).

What about Additional Learning Needs?

• The best thing to do is pick up the phone and talk to me and tell me what you need. Over the years I’ve helped hundreds of students with a range of special requirements resulting from dyslexia, Aspergers and other physical or mental conditions that get in the way of their ability to do justice to themselves in English. I can’t promise that I’ll be able to help, but if I can I will.

I'm happy to talk over the phone, you can call me on ‭07722 642709 or email at info@catherinemooneytutoring.co.uk