English Literature A Level

Applications Open - 27th November 2025

Applications Close - 30th January 2026

Entry Requirements: Please refer to our website

How to apply: Please apply via Applicaa -

For Internal Students: Follow the link you have been sent by the school regarding your options.

For External Students: Please complete the application link below:

https://invictagrammar.applicaa.com/sixthform

At A Level, the study of English Literature presents opportunities for reading widely and for making creative and informed responses to each of the major literary genres of poetry, prose and drama. Students are able to share their knowledge and understanding of the ways in which writers use and adapt language, form and structure in texts. The A Level course is based on a conviction that the study of literature should encourage enjoyment of literary studies based on an informed personal response to a range of texts. The study of English Literature is important to creativity in general and the range of texts for study is complementary to many other subjects across the curriculum.

The new specifications continue to offer both examination and coursework together with an exciting choice of texts in the main genres. Many modern and international texts have been included and are often in themed selections; this ensures enjoyment and interest for both student and staff and will enable the staff to select the most appropriate text for their classes.

As a facilitating subject, and one that is highly prized by all higher education establishments, Literature can offer students the opportunity to study widely with academic rigour in order to expand their knowledge in many areas. The new specifications are stimulating and rigorous allowing freedom of textual choice, in many instances, and including elements of independent study. This will allow students to pursue more detailed work in areas of personal interest and prepare them carefully for undergraduate studies.

Component 1
2 hours 15 minutes
30%

Drama
Section A: Shakespeare
Section B: Other Drama

Component 2
1 hour
20%

Prose
Comparison of two prose text -thematically based

Component 3
2 hours 15 minutes
30%

Poetry
Section A: Contemporary poetry and unseen
Section B: Named poet or literary period of poet

Component 4
2500-3000 words
20%

Coursework
Free choice of literary texts linked by theme, author or period
One extended essay 2500-3000 words
English Literature

6/above in GCSE English Literature.