International Advanced Levels Switch to Pearson English

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to: 

• develop and apply their understanding of the concepts and methods appropriate for the analysis and study of language
• explore data and examples of language in use
• engage creatively and critically with a varied programme for the study of English
• develop their skills as producers and interpreters of language
• independently investigate language in use. 
  

Students who study this qualification will: 

• focus on how language is used to construct identity 
• how other languages have affected the development of English, and how English has developed outside of the British Isles 
• create their own text based on an unseen source text linked to a single topic. Students choose their own audience, purpose and context
• carry out independent research. 
  

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to: 

• read widely and read independently set texts and those that they have selected for themselves 
• engage critically and creatively with a substantial body of texts and explore ways of responding to them 
• develop and apply their knowledge of literary analysis and evaluation effectively 
• explore the contexts of the texts they are reading and others’ interpretations of them
• undertake independent and sustained studies to deepen their appreciation and understanding of English literature, including its changing traditions. 
  

Students who study this qualification will: 

• study a selection of post-2000 poems as well as one post-2000 novel 
• study two drama texts, one pre-1900 and one post-1900 
• answer questions on unseen post-1900 poetry and one on two novels from a theme: Growing up, Colonisation and After, Science and Society and Women and Society 
• study one pre-1900 literary poetry movement 
• study a Shakespearian play from a choice of Hamlet, King Lear, Measure for Measure and The Taming of the Shrew. 
  

The modular assessment structure offers students the flexibility to sit examinations when they feel fully prepared and ready. Once they have sat a unit exam and received a unit grade, that result is banked until they have completed all units. Students then ‘cash-in’ the completed unit exam results to receive an overall qualification grade. 

This ‘building blocks’ approach means that students can ‘bank’ their unit exam results throughout their period of study. This provides robust evidence of their studies and performance, providing more options to obtain the grade that they need to progress. 

Students can take and re-sit individual unit assessments in any series, with examination opportunities in January, June and October in most subjects. This means students have more opportunities to get feedback to improve their performance and get the grades they need to progress. 

We are the first exam board to offer onscreen exams. Technology is advancing, learning is evolving, and so is assessment. We believe in creating assessments that encourage progress, enable access and inclusion, and enrich learning. And together with the education community, we’re focused on choosing where and how we best use technology to positively impact assessments and the lives of learners.  

Students across the world have been able to take onscreen exams for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) English Language A and English Literature qualifications since May 2023 and for International AS/A Level English Language and English Literature since May 2024. 

These Student Books are written for the specifications, so you can be confident that you are providing your students with the best chance of succeeding. With appropriate international content, they include a strong focus on progression, recognition and transferable skills, enabling learning in a local context to a global standard. 

International AS/A Level English Language Student Books 

International AS/A Level English Literature Teacher Resources 

Universities and employers consistently flag the need for students to develop a range of transferable skills to enable them to respond with confidence to the demands of undergraduate study and the world of work. 

Our qualifications and resources are mapped to the National Research Council’s framework for 21st century skills, which includes cognitive, intrapersonal and interpersonal skills. They are embedded and signposted in the specifications and schemes of work, with accompanying skills mapping and transferable skills definitions for every subject. 

Transferable skills are also developed as part of activities in the Student Books. These are clearly labelled, so you and your learners can easily identify the skills they are building. 

Pearson Edexcel qualifications go through a rigorous world class assessment design process, which ensures that the content is relevant for international learners, and that there is a clear and consistent relationship between command words, marks and skills. With logical progression of difficulty throughout and consistency in template and design, our question papers are clear and provide suitable challenge and support for students of all abilities. 

Progressing from International GCSE, Pearson Edexcel International A Level is the next step in the iProgress learning journey, continuing a consistent path for students and teachers, everywhere in the world. 

International Advanced Level qualifications enable successful progression to undergraduate studies, further education or employment. Through our world-class qualification development process we consulted with higher education, teachers and professional bodies to validate the appropriateness of these qualifications, including content, skills and assessment structure.