As students enter junior secondary (Years 7–9) in Hong Kong’s international schools, English Language and Literature becomes a foundational subject that supports their transition to IGCSE and IB programs. The curriculum emphasizes both language proficiency and literary appreciation, developing students’ reading depth, writing skills, and critical thinking.

1. Curriculum Focus and Key Features

The junior secondary English curriculum in international schools blends language mechanics with literature, helping students grow into confident, analytical, and expressive English users.

Core Features:

• Balanced focus on language and literature: Grammar, writing, and reading from both classic and modern texts
• Diverse, cross-cultural literary selections: Works from British, American, Asian, and African writers
• Critical thinking and creativity: Encouraging independent perspectives and imaginative expression
• Inquiry-based learning: Thematic units combining reading and writing projects

2. Curriculum Structure (Years 7–9)

Year Level	Unit Theme	Key Learning Areas
Year 7	Narrative & Descriptive Writing	Novel reading, character study, setting development, creative storytelling
Year 8	Poetry & Drama	Poetic rhythm and figurative language, introduction to Shakespeare (e.g., A Midsummer Night’s Dream)
Year 9	Argumentative & Non-Fiction Texts	Editorial analysis, speech writing, report writing, comparing tone and viewpoint

📚 Sample Teaching Texts:

• Classic Novels: Of Mice and Men, Animal Farm, The Giver
• Modern Poetry: Maya Angelou, Carol Ann Duffy
• Drama: Shakespeare, Susan Hill
• Non-Fiction: Speeches (e.g., Malala), news editorials, TED Talk excerpts

3. Assessment Components

Assessment Area	Weighting	Description
Reading & Literary Analysis	30%	Analyzing characters, themes, language features (e.g., symbolism, metaphor)
Writing Tasks (Narrative/Argumentative)	30%	Includes narratives, essays, commentaries, rewrites or creative extensions
Speaking & Listening	20%	Speeches, role-play, group discussions, spontaneous response drills
Inquiry Projects & Class Engagement	20%	Group presentations, debates, literary magazine design, character interview writing

4. Effective Learning Strategies

4.1 Reading Analysis Tools

🔍 PEEL Paragraph Structure

• Point: Clear main idea
• Evidence: Quote from the text
• Explain: Analyze the effect
• Link: Connect back to theme or extend insight

4.2 Writing Development

• Narrative: Develop plot arcs, character motivation, vivid settings
• Argumentative: Clear thesis, strong examples, consistent tone, counterpoint inclusion
• Creative: Mimic author style, use figurative devices like metaphor and irony

4.3 Speaking & Listening Skills

• Three-Minute Speech Challenge: Express a view + respond to a counterpoint
• Audio Practice: Use podcasts or TED Talks to sharpen listening and mimic intonation

5. Common Challenges & Solutions

Difficulty	Suggested Strategy
Superficial literary analysis	Create a “Language Techniques Notebook” with rhetorical device functions and sentence patterns
Weak persuasive writing	Practice the “Three-Point Persuasion” technique (claim + evidence + rebuttal)
Repetitive vocabulary	Learn 5 new precise verbs or descriptive adjectives weekly; organize by theme

6. Extension Learning & Academic Pathways

6.1 Progression Courses

• IGCSE First Language English / Literature in English
• IB English A: Language & Literature (HL/SL)
• IB English B (for students learning English as a second language)

6.2 Recommended Activities & Platforms

• School Debate Team or Model United Nations (MUN)
• Online writing communities (e.g., Write the World)
• Drama performances and monologue reading competitions

7. Monthly Action Plan & Learning Tools

📚 Monthly Tasks

• Read 1 English novel – record characters, themes, and language highlights
• Write 1 narrative + 1 argumentative short essay (~500 words each)
• Listen to 1 TED Talk – note key points and analyze speaker tone

🔧 Recommended Tools

Category	Resource	Purpose
Vocabulary	Quizlet, Magoosh Vocabulary	Thematic vocabulary lists, phrase practice
Reading	CommonLit, Newsela	Leveled texts with critical thinking questions
Creative Writing	Write the World, Storybird	Writing community and story idea generators
Pronunciation	BBC Learning English, TED	British English practice, listening and speaking drills

Note: This article is for general reference. For detailed information, please visit the official International Baccalaureate website: www.ibo.org
Draft written and organized with AI assistance. Edited by Professor Chan Kwok-wai; Managing Editor: Kong Yik-leung