Global Narratives – English Programme for IGCSE, IB & Beyond

Global Narratives – A UWC-Inspired IGCSE & IB English Curriculum

In a world shaped by stories and media, the ability to think critically, write with purpose, and understand diverse perspectives is more vital than ever. That’s where Young Scholarz’s Global Narratives Programme comes in. It is a comprehensive, curriculum-aligned enrichment course that empowers students to become insightful readers, thoughtful writers, and confident communicators.

Carefully designed in alignment with UWC East, UWC Dover, and IGCSE curricula, this programme builds the analytical and creative foundations needed for high school and pre-IB success.

Keep reading to explore a dynamic, interdisciplinary programme that empowers students to write with voice, read with purpose, and think with global awareness.

What is Global Narratives?

The course spans both literary and media narratives, helping students explore how language shapes identity, culture and power across genres. This multi-module course introduces students to the art of storytelling, authorial purpose, and identity across cultures and media. Across prose, poetry, media, and visual narratives, students build the foundational skills required for:

  • Literary analysis
  • Essay writing
  • Creative expression
  • Critical thinking
  • IB readiness

The programme is divided into two levels, Grade 9 and Grade 10, each with modules tailored to the academic and developmental needs of students.

Programme Structure

Global Narratives – Grade 9 Overview

The Grade 9 Global Narratives programme takes students on a journey through stories, ideas, and voices from around the world. It’s about learning to read deeply, think critically, and write with clarity, all while exploring the power of language.

1. Voices and Perspectives

Step into the shoes of storytellers across cultures. See how authors shape meaning, reflect traditions, and express identity. Discover the values and shared human experiences that connect us all.

Classes Include:

  • Narrative & Identity: Voices Across Cultures
  • Narrative Writing
  • Descriptive Writing

Skills You’ll Build:

  • Textual analysis
  • Contextual awareness & critical thinking
  • Using tone, imagery, and structure effectively

2. Literary Analysis

Learn how to unpack meaning from prose and poetry. See how language, structure, and style work together to create impact, build characters, and draw readers in.

 

Classes Include:

  • Analysing Prose
  • Writing Analytical Essays on Prose
  • Understanding & Analysing Poetry
  • Writing Analytical Essays on Poetry

Skills You’ll Build:

  • Close reading
  • Using the PEEL structure
  • Thematic interpretation

3. Power and Representation in Media

Look beyond the surface. Understand how media shapes identity, power, and bias – and learn how to spot hidden messages.

Classes Include:

  • Persuasive Writing Techniques
  • Power & Representation in Advertisements
  • Visual Narratives (e.g., Maus, Persepolis)
  • Comparative and Critical Essay Writing

Skills You’ll Build:

  • Media literacy & rhetorical analysis
  • Argumentative and discursive essay writing
  • Visual analysis of graphic texts and ads

Global Narratives – Grade 10 Overview

Grade 10 takes everything you learned in Grade 9 and pushes it further. You’ll explore deeper themes, sharpen your analytical writing, and prepare for IB-style assessments.

1. Global Issues through Literature

See how storytelling tackles big topics like conflict, migration, and resilience. Understand how writers use their craft to reflect and challenge the world we live in.

Classes Include:

  • Narratives of Conflict and Displacement
  • Narratives of Dystopian Worlds
  • Coming of Age through Graphic Texts

Skills You’ll Build:

  • Thematic literary analysis
  • Argumentative writing with critical insight
  • Analysing narrative choices and world-building

2. The Literary Essay

Write powerful, thesis-driven essays that compare and analyse texts across genres and media.

Classes Include:

  • Critical Essay Writing on Conflict and Displacement
  • Comparative & Critical Essay Writing

Skills You’ll Build:

  • Strong thesis statements and comparative analysis
  • Clear evaluation of authorial choices
  • Exam-ready writing strategies

3. Power and Representation in Media

Go deeper into how media shapes power and identity. Explore satire, bias, and how language can challenge authority and inspire change.

Classes Include:

  • Decoding Power: Identity and Representation in Media
  • Irony & Influence: Decoding Satire in Texts and Media

Skills You’ll Build:

  • Multimodal text comparison
  • Visual rhetoric and bias analysis
  • Analysing satire in unseen texts

4. Comparative Writing: Interpreting Meaning Across Media Forms

Learn how to compare literature, media, and visual texts with precision and insight.

Classes Include:

  • Critical Essay Writing
  • Comparative Intermedia Critical Essay Writing

Skills You’ll Build:

  • Analysing style, imagery, and structure
  • Organising comparative essays effectively
  • Connecting texts to global contexts

5. Perspectives in Practice

Use research and literary insight to argue for real-world change. Perfect your communication for academic and public audiences.

Classes Include:

  • Language for Impact: The Art of Rhetoric and Crafting Arguments

Skills You’ll Build:

  • Research-based argumentation
  • Audience-focused communication
  • Strategic persuasive writing

6. The Versatility of Poetic Form

Travel through poetic voices and styles from around the globe. Discover how poets use language to express emotion, culture, and perspective.

Classes Include:

  • Exploring Poetic Form and Technique

Skills You’ll Build:

  • Analysing figurative language, imagery, and symbolism
  • Understanding sound devices and structure
  • Interpreting cultural contexts in poetry

7. Studying Shakespeare

See Shakespeare’s work in a new light. Explore how his plays connect to culture and remain relevant today.

Classes Include:

  • The Living Legacy of Shakespeare

Skills You’ll Build:

  • Analysing Shakespeare’s themes, language, and techniques
  • Comparing original plays with modern adaptations
  • Linking Shakespeare’s work to global issues

Who Is This Programme Ideal For?

  • Students in Grade 9–10 students looking to build a strong foundation in English
  • Learners preparing for IGCSE and IB Language & Literature
  • Students eager to explore global storytelling traditions and cultural perspectives
  • Those interested in understanding authorial purpose and identity across genres
  • Creative and analytical thinkers who want to strengthen both writing and interpretation skills
  • Aspiring writers and critical thinkers

Final Thoughts: 

Whether you’re preparing for IB readiness or looking to unlock your creative voice, the Global Narratives programme at Young Scholarz offers the ideal blend of literary exploration, academic excellence, and creative freedom. Develop into a confident writer, insightful reader, and global-minded thinker and be ready to thrive in today’s dynamic world.

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Young Scholarz

At Young Scholarz, we go beyond exam prep.

While we help students excel in IB, IGCSE, and Global Narratives, our focus is also on building real-world skills — from emotional resilience and self-awareness to research, presentation, and digital organization.

Our holistic approach blends academic strategy with life-ready mentoring, empowering teens to succeed in school and far beyond it.

Let’s build your future, one smart skill at a time.