English Language and Literature

Applications Open: Open Now!

Applications Close: Wednesday 7th January 2026

Entry Requirements: Minimum entry requirements are 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, which MUST include English Language and Mathematics, plus any additional individual subject requirements.

How to Apply: Applications are only accepted via Kent Choices.

The A Level English Language and Literature course allows students to develop as independent, confident and reflective readers and writers.

The course helps students to explore the relationship of language and literature through a wide range of reading opportunities, critical reading of and response to both literary and non-literary texts, as well as writing for a variety of audiences and purposes.

Students will explore a wide range of literary, non-literary and digital texts from the 20th and 21st centuries. The course will focus on the ways in which ‘voices’ are used or crafted in a variety of genres, encouraging the integrated analysis of linguistic and literary features.

The texts studied for examination will include:

• A variety of non-literary and digital texts from an anthology

• One literary drama text

• One set prose fiction ‘anchor text’

• One other literary text, thematically linked to the anchor text

For the coursework element, students will be guided in the choice of a theme, studying one fiction and one non-fiction text relating to their chosen topic. These texts will be used as the stimuli for two pieces of original creative writing, with accompanying commentaries.

General entry requirements: Grade 4 in English Language and Maths together with 3 other GCSE grades at grade 4 or above is the minimum requirement to enter Hillview Sixth Form.

Subject Specific Criteria:

Minimum Grade 6 or above and Grade 5 or above in English Language and English Literature (in any combination). GCSE Maths at grade 4 or above. An APS of 4.75 or above is also required.

The qualities of oral and written communication that are gained throughout the course, combined with the high level of skills acquired in self-reliant study, provide a firm basis for future employment.

Those who study English go onto a variety of different careers including Broadcast and Print Journalism, Multimedia, Arts Administration, Advertising and Marketing, Primary and Secondary Teaching and Law.