Programmes & Qualifications

Cambridge International AS & A Level English - Literature (9695)

Syllabus overview

Learners following the Cambridge International AS and A Level English syllabus will study a range of texts in the three main forms: prose, poetry and drama. Set texts are offered from a wide range of different periods and cultures.

Learners will develop skills of reading and analysis of texts, and are encouraged to undertake wider reading to aid understanding of the texts studied. They will learn skills of effective and appropriate communication including the ability to discuss the critical context of texts.

Changes have been made to this syllabus for examination from 2021 onwards. Please see the 2021-2023 syllabus for detailed information.

Syllabuses

The syllabus year refers to the year in which the examination will be taken.

Syllabus support

Support for Literature in English (PDF, 1MB)

Syllabus updates

Summary of the changes
- We worked with teachers, subject expert panels and universities around the world to update our Cambridge International AS & A Level English subject group as part of our on-going review process. Following the review, we have made some changes to Cambridge International AS & A Level Literature in English for examination in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
  
  Many teachers told us that they offer more than one English subject from this group, so we have made some changes so that the syllabuses work together regardless of whether a student is studying one or more subject from this group. To make it clearer for teachers, we have separated this syllabus (Cambridge International AS and A Level English – Literature 9695) from our other Cambridge International AS & A Level English syllabuses.
  
  How has the syllabus changed?
  
  Cambridge International AS & A Level Literature in English is available for examination in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
  - We have updated the aims in the syllabus, but the emphasis remains the same - to encourage learners to enjoy reading a wide range of international texts and to develop their skills in Literature.
  - We have revised the key concepts and they are now:
    - Language
    - Form
    - Structure
    - Genre
    - Context
    - Style
    - Interpretation.
  - We have updated the list of set texts in the 'Subject content' section of the syllabus.
  - A list of command words has been added to the syllabus to help teaching and learning and exam preparation.
  How has the assessment changed?
  - We have removed optional routes through the syllabus. There are now compulsory examination components: Paper 1 and Paper 2 at AS Level, with the addition of Paper 3 and Paper 4 at A Level.
  - Paper 2: The assessment of an Unseen text has been introduced to the AS level and this provides good progression from Cambridge IGCSE.
  - Coursework has been removed from the syllabus. All components are now externally assessed.
  - All learners will study all three forms: poetry, prose and drama at both AS and A Level. This allows students to gain a good knowledge and understanding of Literature in all forms.
  - The question paper structure has changed, as have the paper titles due to the changes made to the assessment model. However, the style of questions and presentation of the questions remains consistent with the current syllabus.
  - The rubrics in all of the question papers have changed. Please see the specimen papers for further information.
  - The levels-based marking criteria have been updated to maintain validity and reliability of assessment.
  When do these changes take place?
  
  The updated syllabus is for examination in June and November 2021, 2022 and 2023. It is also available in March 2021, 2022 and 2023 (India only). Please see the 2021-2023 syllabus above for full details.
Teaching and learning resources
- Coming soon
  
  We are developing a wide range of support to help you plan and teach the 2021-2023 syllabus.
  
  Support
  
  Look out for a comprehensive range of materials to help you teach the updated syllabus including a scheme of work, Example candidate responses, Learner and Teacher Guides as well as specimen paper answers. These resources will be available from April 2019 onwards (before first teaching) through our School Support Hub.
  
  Endorsed resources
  View the latest resources that are being developed for the Cambridge International AS & A Level English Literature syllabus (9695).
  
  Cambridge International AS & A Level Literature in English (Collins)
  
  Introduce key concepts and skills for advanced level literary study and focus on developing effective writing from the start. Give students a toolkit for responding to unseen texts and exploring the set texts in depth.
  
  Read more on the Collins website
  
  Cambridge International AS & A Level Literature in English (Cambridge University Press)
  
  Through exploring wide ranging texts, students will find they are building essential skills – such as the ability to write clearly and effectively, construct an argument, manage information and analyse complex pieces.
  
  Read more on the Cambridge University Press website

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Important notices

Withdrawal of Cambridge International AS & A Level Literature in English (9695)
- We are withdrawing Cambridge International AS & A Level Literature in English (9695) from the March exam series. The last March series for this syllabus will be March 2026.
  
  From 2027, we will only offer this syllabus in the June and November exam series.
  
  We communicated this change to schools in September 2022.
English for every learner
- Find out more about our range of English syllabuses to suit every level and ambition.
Grade descriptions
- For some subjects, the syllabus states that Grade Descriptions will be made available after first assessment in 2020, 2021 or 2022.
  
  Publication of grade descriptions was paused in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the temporary changes to the grading standard that have been in place for 2020, 2021 and 2022. We are currently working on producing these grade descriptions. This work will make sure that grade descriptions reflect examination outcomes appropriately and are based on the more stable grading standard that we expect to have in place for June 2023 onwards.
Front covers
- From 2020, we have made some changes to the wording and layout of the front covers of our question papers to reflect the new Cambridge International branding and to make instructions clearer for candidates - learn more.

School Support Hub

We provide a wide range of support so that teachers can give their learners the best possible preparation for Cambridge programmes and qualifications. For teachers at registered Cambridge schools, support materials for specific syllabuses are available from the School Support Hub (username and password required).

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Cambridge International AS & A Level English - Literature (9695)

Syllabus overview

Syllabuses

Syllabus support

Syllabus updates

How has the syllabus changed?

How has the assessment changed?

When do these changes take place?

Coming soon

Support

Endorsed resources

Important notices

School Support Hub