English Language and Literature A Level

Applications Open - 20 November 2025 at 8am

Applications Close - 6 February 2026 at 15:00 (Except Beauty L2 which closes on the 22nd May).

General Entry Requirements:

Our level 3 Sixth Form entry requirements are five GCSEs at Grades 9-4 including Maths and English minimum Grade 4. However, please read the course information, which, provides specific details of course content and entry requirements.

For level 2 courses please read the course information.

Subjects: -

Level 3 - Enter your choices in order of preference for Level 3 courses. Students need to select the equivalent of 3 courses (Triple counts as 3), with 2 reserve options if selecting Level 3 courses. Year 12 are expected to study the equivalent of three subjects. Once we close to applicants on the 6 February the options selected will be reviewed and if required we will be in contact.

Level 2 - just add the course required, eg beauty, finance or fitness. However, please look up all entry requirements for individual subjects as some subjects require specific subjects and grades.

Timetable Blocks- Please read carefully: Level 3 Courses Please select 3 subjects and 2 reserve subjects by placing them in a ranked order/ or a Pathway. Once applications close we will review all subjects requested and may be in contact at this time to discuss your chosen subjects further.

Additional optional qualifications such as Arts Award (Gold),Core Maths, Further Maths and the EPQ are not applied for at the Kent Choice stage further information will be provided in the 6th Form induction if you would like to undertake this course in addition to your core qualifications.

How to Apply - Via Kent Choices or through link on our website https://www.hernebayhigh.org/sixth-form/how-to-apply

Further Information: We reserve the right to withdraw courses if insufficient numbers are attracted.

Any queries, please contact 6form@hernebayhigh.org

This exciting specification approaches the study of English through both literary and non-literary texts, encouraging students to engage both creatively and critically with a wide range of written forms. Students will explore both literary and linguistic concepts through analysis of texts from a variety of genres.

Designed with a focus on the integration of language and literature, the specification enables students to see how linguistic and literary methods are related and to explore these links in their work. The course allows students to build on the skills and knowledge already gained at GCSE and prepare for their next steps. The variety of assessment styles used, such as re-creative writing, commentary writing, discursive essays and research-based investigative writing, allows students to develop a wide range of skills. These include the ability to read critically, analyse, evaluate and undertake independent research, which are invaluable for both further study and future employment.

Students will develop their skills as writers, both creatively and analytically. Much of the work is done through discussion seminars. Students will be expected to present prepared ideas to the class as well as take notes. Note taking and other organisational skills will be developed in order to prepare for both the coursework and examination assessments. In addition to the coursework assignments, essay-writing techniques will be developed in readiness for the end of course examinations. The course is particularly relevant to those students who enjoy both creative writing as well as reading literature.

This subject offers a respected and facilitating formal qualification that can be used in variety of ways and is particularly useful to students who wish to further their education at degree level across a range of subjects. Additionally, many students find that continuing their study of English Language and Literature helps develop their communication skills and general cultural knowledge.

We encourage students to undertake any style of work experience, which will aid a range of skills required in the English course. However, should someone wish to pursue an English-oriented career, then work experience within the following sectors would be ideal: journalism and the media, education, librarianship/information management, curation, public relations.

Understanding Non-Fiction Texts - 1 hour examination in summer term of Year 13 (16%)

The Language of Poetry and Plays - 2 hour examination in summer term of Year 13 (32%)

Reading as a Writer, Writing as a Reader – 2 hour examination in summer term of Year 13 (32%)

Independent study: analysing and producing texts – Coursework (20%)

2 Year Course - Normally 5 GCSE grades in the range of 9-4, including Maths and English Minimum Grade 4. It is desirable for candidates to have achieved at least a grade 5 in GCSE English Language and/or GCSE English Literature.

It is also desirable for candidates to have at least one other humanities subject (History, Geography or Religious Studies – Full Course) at grade 5.

You could take this course to complement other advanced level courses or to prepare for the A2 part of an Advanced GCE in English Literature, which could lead onto higher education in English related studies or more general higher education courses. With further training, you could go into a job related to English Literature such as a Teacher, Journalist, Author or Poet. You could also go straight into a job as the AS GCE is a recognised qualification that will help you develop the skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers across lots of industries are looking for. You could take this course with other advanced level courses or equivalent to prepare for higher education in English studies or more general higher education courses. The course will also help you develop the skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers across lots of industries are looking for.