This initiative is particularly relevant for Swiss Gymnasium teachers preparing students for advanced English qualifications.
Why literature matters in language education
Swiss Exams, the authorised provider of Cambridge English Exams in Switzerland, has initiated a collaboration with Hull’s School, Zurich, and the Aldous Huxley Centre. The objective is to connect advanced English proficiency with the systematic use of literature in language learning in Swiss Gymnasiums and Secondary Schools.
The initiative focuses on two outcomes:
- preparing students for the Cambridge English C2 Proficiency exam (CPE), the highest level of language qualification,
- enhancing students’ ability to engage with complex literary texts that develop analytical, cultural, and interpretative skills, as preparation for their future.
Deep literary engagement offers the most authentic preparation for C2 expectations, which demand near-native fluency, critical evaluation, and cultural awareness.
One school that exemplifies this approach is Hull’s School, Zurich, where teachers work closely with the Aldous Huxley Centre to integrate literature into advanced English teaching. At Hull’s School, Zurich, in cooperation with the Aldous Huxley Centre, teachers deliberately select works such as Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. This text challenges students linguistically at the C2 level and, at the same time, promotes discussion on themes such as technology, freedom, and society.
Hull’s school, Zurich: Approach & standards
Hull’s School, Zurich has established a curriculum where English plays a central role in academic achievement. Students prepare for international qualifications while also completing Cambridge English exams.
According to James Cunningham, Principal of Hull’s School, Zurich:
At Hull’s School, students develop habits of mind that promote curiosity and initiative. Intellectual rigour and independence of thought, reflective learning and flexible thinking, the ability to maintain an open mind and to reach a balanced judgement are central to student success at our school.
The school integrates English systematically across the four years of study:
Learning English is central to our students’ academic success. In addition to their IGCSE and A Level examinations, our students also sit the Cambridge First Certificate in English in the first year and the Cambridge Proficiency (C2) in English in the fourth year. We place such an emphasis on the acquisition of English that we have a department dedicated to Cambridge English. The Cambridge English Department is led by Mr David Conroy.
This structured approach supports both exam performance and the broader educational aim of developing independent, critical thinkers who are able to engage with complex texts.
Where language meets literature: A partnership with Hull’s school, Zurich
At Swiss Exams, we share with Hull’s School, Zurich and the Aldous Huxley Centre the belief in the synergy of language and literature. The cooperation is built on two central pillars: language proficiency and literary engagement. Together, these elements support students in moving beyond functional communication to develop critical thinking, cultural awareness, and the ability to work with complex ideas.
As James Cunningham, Principal of Hull’s School, Zurich, notes:
Swiss Exams is pivotal in supporting our students with their FCE and CPE exams. We have a long standing relationship built on trust that goes back many decades.
Planned activities for teachers
The partnership is structured around several initiatives:
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Publications: Articles in educational journals and school newsletters highlighting how literature supports language competence and exam preparation.
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Professional development and webinars: Training sessions, resources, and events for teachers focused on integrating literary study into preparation for Cambridge English exams. The first free webinar, scheduled for 27 November 2025, will present literature-based strategies, Swiss classroom examples, and practical methods for preparing students for the C2 Proficiency exam. Details here
Benefits for Swiss gymnasiums and teachers
This initiative helps schools and teachers integrate literature into language teaching and exam preparation. It offers a structured path that guides students toward the Cambridge English C2 Proficiency certificate—a key milestone showing they are ready for advanced study and life beyond school.
- Structured approach to C2 preparation: Clear frameworks and proven methods to guide students toward Cambridge English C2 Proficiency as part of their broader academic development.
- Ready-to-use teaching resources: Access to curated reading materials that support both language acquisition and critical engagement with literature.
- Professional development opportunities: Training and knowledge exchange on how to use literature to develop students’ linguistic precision, analytical skills and cultural awareness.