We revise our qualifications regularly to make sure they continue to meet the needs of learners, schools and higher education institutions around the world and reflect current thinking. Please see the 2023-2025 syllabus document for full details on the changes.
What are the main changes to the syllabus?
To support teachers and learners, we have:
- updated the aims in the syllabus with the emphasis remaining the same - to encourage learners to enjoy reading a wide range of international texts
- updated the set texts list and you can find these in Section 3 of the syllabus. It is important you consult the set text list for the relevant year of examination as texts can change from year to year.
What are the main changes to the assessment?
- We have reduced the number of assessment objectives and revised the wording to make sure they are clear and concise. The new assessment objectives test the same knowledge and skills as the current syllabus.
- All learners must now study four set texts across the three forms (one poetry text, one prose text and two drama texts).
- For Paper 1, learners must now answer one poetry question and one prose question.
- In Paper 2, learners now answer two questions on two different drama texts. They must also write one of each essay type: passage-based and essay-based.
When do these changes take place?
The updated syllabus is for examination from June 2023 onwards. Please see the 2023-2025 syllabus above for full details.
Support
We are developing a comprehensive range of materials to help you teach the updated syllabus. These resources will be available from June 2021 onwards (before first teaching) through our School Support Hub and include:
- Scheme of work
- Learner guide
- Resource Plus
- Example Candidate Responses (after first examination).
Training
Face-to-face and online training will be available. For up-to-date information, visit our Events and training calendar.
Endorsed resources
View the latest resources that are being developed by our Endorsement Partners for the Cambridge O Level Literature in English syllabus (2010).
Cambridge IGCSE and O Level Literature in English (Hodder Education)
Provide students with a clear structured route through the syllabus, with opportunities to assess their own progress, as well as reflect on and discuss new ideas and concepts.
Read more on the Hodder Education website
Cambridge IGCSE and O Level Literature in English (Cambridge University Press)
Stimulating literary material from around the world encourages your students to enjoy studying and analysing literature. Develop your students’ informed personal responses through well-known texts such as 'Ozymandias', 'Blackberry-Picking' and 'Odour of Chrysanthemums'.
Read more on the Cambridge University Press website
Cambridge IGCSE Literature in English (Collins)
Introduce students to the fundamental skills and concepts of literary study and allow them to apply those skills to poetry, prose and drama. This resource also supports the Cambridge IGCSE World Literature syllabus.
Read more on the Collins website