Exploring Literature: IBDP Literature vs. CIE Literature in English vs. CBSE English Literature

Literature is the celebration of an art and literature studies is the art of appreciating, understanding and critically analysing the different forms of writings and their intricacies.

The study of literature transcends the cultural, geographical and periodical experiences and references and engages readers with an extensive exploration of human experience.

English language and literature is one of the mandatory subjects to be taught to students from elementary grades to senior secondary grades for their profound importance and universality.

The three most reputed educational boards in the school sector, IB (International Baccalaureate), CIE (Cambridge International Examination), and CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) respectively have adopted different approaches to this mandatory subject.

We shall have a look at the different approaches adopted by each of these educational boards.

IBDP Literature

The IBDP curriculum for English language and literature is designed to cultivate a sense of interest and inquisitiveness to research further about the writings and writer. English literature can be studied at two different levels as per the student’s preference and interest. The HL (Higher Level) and SL (Standard Level) introduce students to the underlying cultural nuances, poetic devices, different forms of writing, analytical skills and more. However, the depth of each study depends on the chosen level of course.

IBDP literature is distinctive, with the inclusion of regional translations, literary works from different eras, and a detailed understanding of linguistic and historical perspectives.

The ultimate goal of the IB board is to guide and mould subject-interested students with critically engaging texts and their intrinsic impact on society.

CIE Literature in English

Cambridge International Examination Board has adopted a very comprehensive approach to English language and literature. The designed curriculum encourages the students to vividly engage with different forms of literary texts including poetry, essays, novels, short stories and more. Additionally, the CIE’s English language and literature also emphasises the cultural, historical and societal reflection of various writings.

Through creative assessments and regular assessments, the students are continuously monitored and marked based on their understanding, and capability to present. On a wider picture, CIE promotes a holistic learning approach to the English language and literature for its artistic relevance and timeless beauty.

CBSE English

The CBSE literature curriculum is diverse. It includes numerous poetries, plays, short stories and novels. These texts are carefully selected after multiple screenings to ensure the quality of literary knowledge passed on to students. CBSE programme also puts appreciable efforts in fostering language proficiency and critical thinking, thereby nurturing a generation with the capability to use their lingual capacity for the collective and political good.

Additionally, CBSE ensures multivariate exposure to the language by introducing students to different writing styles, forms and texts from ranging periods.

In Short,

Literature is a vast field of study and is never-ending for its multifarious nature. Choosing among the three educational boards for English language and literature depends on various factors. Academic goals of the student, prospective career plans, and subject interest. After a comparative analysis of the three types of approaches towards the literature, it can be inferred that IBDP stands out for its inclusion of varied texts, global perspectives and analytical scopes.

Whereas CIE literature presents a thematic approach and inclusion of cultural and historical contexts within the core of literature as a subject. CBSE functions by providing a diverse literary exploration inclusive of classical and modern writing along with equal significance rendered to grammatical and writing arenas. The adapted approaches by these school educational boards are relatively different and unique. However, the three curricula intend to offer valuable insights into the world of literature for nurturing a generation of literature enthusiasts.