Choosing  English

Advanced Level: A two-year course comprising language, linguistics, literature studies and critical skills. The literature component consists of a Shakespearean play, two novels and selected poems. An oral component is also included.

Intermediate Level: The students consolidate the knowledge gained at SEC level and extend it to include more advanced concepts. However, these concepts will not be treated with the same rigour and at the same depth as in the English Advanced level course. The Intermediate course enables students to develop their reading, communication and analytical skills including the ability to understand the interplay between characters, plot and ideas in the literary texts being studied. An oral and a linguistic component are also included.

SEC level: Revision courses leading to a SEC level certificate.

Courses available

You can study English at:

Course Prerequisites Duration Lessons Practical/Tutorial Sessions
Advanced Level

A minimum of grade 5 at SEC Level or equivalent in English language is required. It is beneficial for candidates to hold a pass in English Literature

 2 years 1st Year – 5 lessons per week 2nd Year – 6 lessons per week 1 tutorial per week
Intermediate Level

A minimum of grade 5 at SEC Level or equivalent in English language.

 2 years 3 lessons per week N/A
SEC level

Subject must have been studied at SEC Level

 1 year 4/5 lessons per week N/A

Special Considerations: 

The literary texts studied at GCHSS are the following:

Advanced Level:

  • Atonement – Ian McEwan
  • The Handmaid’s Tale – Margaret Atwood
  • Othello – William Shakespeare
  • Anthology of Poetry

Intermediate Level:

  • Selection from – Twentieth-Century Stories, World Stories, Crime Stories.

Further Studies/Career Opportunities

  • A qualification in English is an essential tool for practically all career or academic paths.