Choosing the next step of your English studies:

What courses are on offer? 

At Park Lane International school we offer three courses at the IB level. These are: 

> English A higher level

> English A standard level 

> English B higher level 

English A HL assessment

English A SL assessment

Should I choose English A or English B? 

The English A courses are aimed at students with strong English skills who wish to study at the level of a native English speaker and develop their analytical reading and writing skills. 

You should consider this option if:

• You are predicted a C or above at IGCSE first language (0500) and IGCSE literature in English (0475)

and

• You find the IGCSEs you are currently studying in English fun and interesting and would like to continue a 50/50 language and literature split 

• You would like to improve your communication in English AND your analytical thinking and essay writing skills

Or

• You are planning to study journalism, English literature, linguistics or another course directly relating to English studies at university

English B is aimed at those who wish to study English as a second language.  The focus will be on developing communication skills and, at higher level, the study of two literary texts. 

You should consider the option if:

• You are predicted a C or below at IGCSE first language (0500) or IGCSE literature in English (0475)

and

• English is not your home langauge (i.e. neither of your parents/caregivers are native English speakers)

• You wish to develop your speaking, reading, writing and listening 

• You are less interested in developing critical reading and essay writing skills 

• Your further education is not going to be in a field directly related to English studies

CEFR and the IB: English B HL and English A SL develop comparable communication skills

The following document and table compare English proficiency demonstrated by the achievement of specific grades. More information on the CEFR scale in the document linked to below the table. 

https://www.ibo.org/globalassets/publications/ib-research/dp/ib-dp-cefr-benchmarking-summary-en.pdf

Example exam papers

English A

English B 

Should I choose English A higher level or standard level?

The answer to this question relies on the following: 

• Do you wish to study a course directly relating to your English studies at university?

• What grade are you predicted at IGCSE (a B or higher at IGCSE Langauge and IGCSE Literature in English is required for higher level)? 

• Do you find your English lessons a particularly interesting and enriching aspect of your studies? 

• What does your overall balance of higher and standard level subjects look like? 

The differences between English A higher level and standard level: 

NB: Standard level students have 4 x 45 minute lessons and higher level students have 5 x 45 minute lessons. 

Please contact Mr Goodman, subject leader for English, if you have any questions: james.goodman@parklane-is.com