English Language GCSE

Applications Open: - 7th November 2025

Applications Close: - 8th June 2026 (Applications will still be considered after this date)

Other Information:- Please select a minimum of three A-Level courses. Contact Mark.Shenton@sandwich-tech.kent.sch.uk for further course information

Entry Requirements: Some courses have additional entry requirements. These can be found on the prospectus.

Level 3 - 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or higher including English and Mathematics.

Transition - 5 GCSEs at grade 3 or higher. Either English or Mathematics must be at a grade 4.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

Questions/Queries:-Mark.shenton@sandwich-tech.kent.sch.uk

Site Tours:- Mark.shenton@sandwich-tech.kent.sch.uk

Why study the subject:

This course is designed to enhance your love of literature. Successful candidates will actively engage in wider reading beyond the classroom and enjoy the discussion that surrounds textual analysis. You will gain an extensive experience of working independently, in groups as well as presenting your ideas to your peers and tutors.

In terms of the units offered:

• Love through the ages

- One core text: 'Taming of the Shrew' William Shakespeare

- Two comparative set texts: 'The Great Gatsby' F. Scott Fitzgerald and A collection of Pre 1900 poetry

- Unseen poetry comparison

• Texts in shared contexts: Modern times: literature from 1945 to the present day

- One core text: 'Skirrid Hill' Owen Sheers

- One comparative set texts: 'The Handmaid's Tale' Margaret Atwood and 'A Streetcar Named Desire' Tennessee Williams

- Unseen Prose

• Independent critical study: texts across time

- Two independently chosen texts: choice of genre with one written pre-1900

Assessments:

Paper 1 3hr examination on Love through the ages. 40%

Paper 2 2hr 30min examination on Texts in shared contexts: Modern times. 40%

Coursework Comparative critical study of two texts, at least one of which must have been written pre-1900. This takes the form of one extended essay (2500 words) and a bibliography. 20%

Additional Entry Requirements

GCSE English Language or English Literature at grade 6 or above.

This course is part of the current STS transition package, you cannot apply for this course. This is what may be offered if you are excepted onto the Transition pathway.