English Literature

***** UPDATE FOR SEPTEMBER 2026 ENTRY *****

Thank you for your interest in our sixth form. We are no longer accepting applications. If you would like to be considered for a course in September, please take the following steps:

Current Sittingbourne School Students please speak to a member of the Sixth Form Team when you come to pick up your GCSE results on Thursday 20th August.

Students from other schools please bring us a paper copy of your results sheet on Friday 21st August 2026 between 10am and 12pm. Unfortunately we cannot accept a photograph of your results. Please come to the main school reception at Swanstree Avenue, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 4NL.

Applications Open: Monday 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: Friday 17th July 2026

Entry Requirements: Our general entry requirements are:-

• A Levels – advanced courses, two year study programme, with an average entry requirement of at least five grade 5+ qualifications, including English and mathematics. Some subjects may have additional entry requirements.

• BTEC Level 3 – advanced courses, two year study programme, with an average entry requirement of at least five grade 4+ qualifications, including English and mathematics. Some subjects may have additional entry requirements.

• T Level - technical course, two year study programme, with an average entry requirement of at least five grade 5+ qualifications, including English and mathematics.

• BTEC Level 2 – One year programme, which could lead on to further studies, with an average entry requirement at least five grade 2 or above, including English and mathematics.

How to Apply: Please apply via Kent Choices

If applying to T Level Engineering, please include a second choice set of subjects within the same application.

Course aims

The skills gained through the study of English Literature are immeasurable. Students are able to broaden their knowledge, not only of a wide range of texts, but also of human relationships, history and different views of the world. Throughout the two year course, students are trained to become more independent and perceptive in their reading skills, developing their powers of analytical and evaluative thinking. They also learn to become more proficient and sophisticated in their writing and to carry out research with discrimination and a critical eye. Most importantly, their knowledge and horizons are expanded through being introduced to a wealth of novels, plays and poetry ranging through many genres and eras.

Course content

Students will study a range of texts from the literary canon with a particular emphasis on tragedy and crime writing. Over two years, students will study a selection of drama, prose and poetry texts, including works by William Shakespeare, John Keats, Arthur Miller, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Ian McEwan. The course also includes a non-exam assessment in which students are able to select texts of their own choosing from any genre and era and respond to them from a critical viewpoint, allowing scope to cater for all interests.

Assessment

This course is assessed by 80% examination. There are two equally weighted examination papers at the end of the second year. The NEA (non-exam assessment) is initially marked by teachers and is worth 20% of the final grade.

Additional course entry requirements

Students will need to achieve a minimum of grade 6 in either English Literature or Language GCSE.

Progression and career opportunities

All universities see an A level in English Literature as a major asset to any course, as it exhibits that students are academically able, well-read, and capable writers. Specific careers which are benefited by this subject are publishing, journalism, law, broadcasting, media, acting, teaching and advertising, among many others. An A level in English Literature will open many doors to a successful future.