English Literature

For students applying from other schools please see the information below.

For existing students at OPGS - you will be applying internally and will receive separate instructions

Applications Open - 11th December 2025

Applications Close - 30th January 2026

Entry Requirements:-

Students achieving a minimum of at least six GCSEs (9 – 5) of which at least four are at a grade 6 (or equivalent).

In addition, students must meet subject entry requirements, which in most cases require a minimum of Grade 6 in the subject to be studied, or related subjects. Some subjects will require a grade 7 or higher. Please see school website (https://www.opgs.org) for entry requirements needed for individual A level subjects.

Students must also achieve a minimum of a grade 5 in English Language and Mathematics.

Typically, we would expect students following essay-based subjects to gain at least a grade 6 in English Language and students following scientific courses to gain at least a grade 7 in Mathematics.

The school shall determine which grades at 6 are required when A level subjects requested have not been taken at GCSE Level.

Priority will be given to existing pupils transferring from Year 11 who meet the entrance criteria

How to Apply

Students should select three or four A level subjects and include a 4th/5th as a reserve subjects. Please list your subjects in priority order and indicate which is your reserve choice.

Subject Choice

In choosing your subjects for A level you need to find out about the syllabus, examination requirements, coursework and the approach to study. Choose subjects that interest you and think carefully about the range and combination of subjects you would like to study. You may also wish to consider requirements for Higher Education or career paths.

Students should also note that the school cannot guarantee courses will run if there are not enough applicants. It is also possible that, in some subjects, numbers will have to be limited.

Study of three texts: one poetry and one prose text, of which one must be written pre-1900, and one Shakespeare play. Examination will include two unseen poems.

Assessed

• Written exam: 3 hours

• open book in Section C only

• 75 marks

• 40% of A-level

Questions

Section A: Shakespeare: one passage-based question with linked essay

- OTHELLO

Section B: Unseen poetry: compulsory essay question on two unseen poems

Section C: Comparing texts: one essay question linking two texts

- Anthology of Love Poetry through the Ages: Pre-1900

- F. Scott Fitzgerald - The Great Gatsby

Paper Two: Texts in shared contexts

OPTION B:

Modern times: literature from 1945 to the present day.

Examination will include an unseen prose extract

Assessed

• Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes

• open book

• 75 marks

• 40% of A-level

Questions

Section A: Set texts. One essay question on set text

Study at least ONE of three texts:

- Poetry: Carol Ann Duffy - Feminine Gospel (post 2000)

Section B: Contextual linking

• one compulsory question on an unseen extract

• one essay question linking two texts

- Drama: Tennessee Williams - A Streetcar Named Desire

- Prose: Margaret Atwood – The Handmaid’s Tale

Non-exam assessment (NEA): Independent critical study: texts across time

• Comparative critical study of two texts, at least one of which must have been written pre-1900

• One extended essay (2500 words) and a bibliography

Assessed

• 50 marks

• 20% of A-level

• assessed by teachers

• moderated by AQA

.

Enrichment Opportunities

1. Regular theatre trips to a range of productions

2. Creative writing workshop

3. University taster days

4. Additional programme of lectures to support the unseen paper

Six 9-5 GCSE grades with at least four at grade 6

A minimum of a grade 5 in English Language and Mathematics

Grade 6 in GCSE English Literature

Typically, we would expect students following essay-based subjects to gain at least a grade 6 in English Language and students following scientific courses to gain at least a grade 7 in Mathematics.

English Literature is a requirement for entry to most “English” degree courses with a literature component. It is also a preferred subject for many other degrees.