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English Literature

Wilmington Grammar School Sixth Form (WG6)

Common Lane, Wilmington, DARTFORD, DA2 7DA

GCE A/AS Level or Equivalent
Level 3
Languages, Literature and Culture

Available start dates

Available start dates

Tuesday, 01 September 2026
Wilmington Grammar School for Boys
2 Year(s)
Full time
Daytime/working hours
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Application Instructions

Applications Open: - 31st October 2025

Applications Close: - 27th January 2026

Entry Requirements: - All students joining Year 12 will have completed their GCSE courses and from a maximum of 8 GCSEs must have achieved:

46 points from the top 8 subjects with at least a 5 in English and Maths

How to Apply: - Please follow the website www.wg6.co.uk for the application link.

We do not accept applications via Kent Choices.

Course Summary

  • ENGLISH LITERATURE

    EDEXCEL

    Expectations of Independent Study

    • Read the course texts, including any secondary sources.

    • Organise revision notes and essay plans.

    • Read and develop personal responses to the Shakespeare: Critical Anthology.

    • Research the literary, social and historical contexts of the literature that we cover, developing an understanding of how to apply them.

    • Personal research and completing essay deadlines.

    • Complete the research for, and contribute towards the completion of, the ‘Non-exam Assessment’ (coursework).

Entry Requirements
Standard entry requirements and Grade 9 - 6 in either GCSE English Language or English Literature. It is also preferable that students enjoy reading.

Why is it interesting?
This course gives students a thorough grounding in the canon of English literature. It develops analytical skills, understanding, evaluating and communication. It develops an awareness of our rich literary heritage and links with the cultural and historical influence on English literature.

What skills and knowledge will I develop by studying this subject?
A Level (Two-Year Course)
Component 1: Two drama texts are studied. One Shakespeare play plus one other drama text either tragedy or comedy.
Component 2: Two prose texts from a chosen theme. One text must be pre- 1900, one may be modern Examples of themes: Childhood; Colonisation and its Aftermath; Crime and Detection; Science and Society; The Supernatural; or Women and Society.
Component 3: Contemporary Poetry.
A range of poetry from a literary period or a range of poetry from a named poet. Two essays, one will be comparative.

This course would be suitable for students who have the following skills and interests:
Students are expected to read widely as an essential part of their learning. It is also vital to read literary criticism to inform their responses to texts.
It goes without saying that students following this course should have a love of literature and enjoy reading for pleasure.

What career pathways are open to me if I study this subject?
History and Art are particularly compatible with English Literature, especially with the new A Level syllabus. Students following Maths and Science courses also benefit by demonstrating the diversity of their interests and skills.
Communication skills are vital for any managerial post. The ability to express oneself clearly in both written and spoken English is the hallmark of a professional person. Journalism, the law, the media, education and medicine are all career paths which an advanced qualification in English could help the student embark upon.

Assessment Overview
A Level (Two-Year Course)
Component 1: Drama - 2 hours and 15 mins examination (30% of total A Level)
Component 2: Prose - 1 hour examination (20% of total A Level)
Component 3: Contemporary Poetry 2 hour and 15 mins examination (30% of total A Level)
Component 4: Coursework (20% of total A Level)
A free range of two texts may be studied. 2500 – 3000 words.

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