English 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.

This course encourages students to develop an interest in and enjoyment of English Literature, through reading widely, critically and independently, across centuries, genre and gender.

Students will experience an extensive range of views about texts and how to read them and will investigate the wider social and historical context of their production and reception. The course focuses on close textual analysis, the relationship between texts and the contexts within which they are written, received and understood, and how groups of texts fit into themes.

For examination, the set texts studied across the three papers will include two collections of poetry, two pieces of prose, one Shakespeare and one modern drama text.

Students will also analyse and respond to one unseen poem, comparing it to a known poem. For the coursework element, students are required to produce a comparative critical study of two texts, at least one of which must have been written pre-1900, on a theme of your choice.

This aspect of the course encourages autonomous personal reading, with teacher guidance on appropriate text choices and combinations, providing a challenging and wide-ranging opportunity for independent study.

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 ENTRY CRITERIA:

Grade 6 or above in GCSE English Literature and Grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language. GCSE Maths grade 4 or above. An APS of 4.75 or above.

The qualities of oral and written communication that are gained through the course, combined with the extensive skills acquired through self-reliant study, provide a firm basis for future employment. Those who study English go on to a variety of different careers, including: Broadcast and Print Journalism, Multimedia, Arts Administration, Advertising and Marketing, Primary and Secondary Teaching and Law.