English Literature A Level

Applications Open - 20 November 2025 at 8am

Applications Close - 6 February 2026 at 15:00 (Except Beauty L2 which closes on the 22nd May).

General Entry Requirements:

Our level 3 Sixth Form entry requirements are five GCSEs at Grades 9-4 including Maths and English minimum Grade 4. However, please read the course information, which, provides specific details of course content and entry requirements.

For level 2 courses please read the course information.

Subjects: -

Level 3 - Enter your choices in order of preference for Level 3 courses. Students need to select the equivalent of 3 courses (Triple counts as 3), with 2 reserve options if selecting Level 3 courses. Year 12 are expected to study the equivalent of three subjects. Once we close to applicants on the 6 February the options selected will be reviewed and if required we will be in contact.

Level 2 - just add the course required, eg beauty, finance or fitness. However, please look up all entry requirements for individual subjects as some subjects require specific subjects and grades.

Timetable Blocks- Please read carefully: Level 3 Courses Please select 3 subjects and 2 reserve subjects by placing them in a ranked order/ or a Pathway. Once applications close we will review all subjects requested and may be in contact at this time to discuss your chosen subjects further.

Additional optional qualifications such as Arts Award (Gold),Core Maths, Further Maths and the EPQ are not applied for at the Kent Choice stage further information will be provided in the 6th Form induction if you would like to undertake this course in addition to your core qualifications.

How to Apply - Via Kent Choices or through link on our website https://www.hernebayhigh.org/sixth-form/how-to-apply

Further Information: We reserve the right to withdraw courses if insufficient numbers are attracted.

Any queries, please contact 6form@hernebayhigh.org

This exciting specification approaches the study of Literature across a range of written forms, encompassing poetry, prose and drama. The courses will build on and extend the Literature work that students studied at Key Stage 4, encouraging students to engage with texts critically.

A-Level English literature is the study of literature through the lens of historicism, encouraging the independent study of a range of texts within a shared context, giving logic and meaning to the way that texts are grouped for study. This unifying approach facilitates the inclusion of a range of wider reading, thus extending students’ experience and appreciation of literature. Offering clear progression from GCSE, the course allows students to build on the skills and knowledge already gained and prepare for their next steps. The variety of assessment styles used, such as passage-based questions, unseen material, single-text questions, multiple-text questions, open- and closed-book approaches allows students to develop a wide range of skills, such as the ability to read critically, analyse, evaluate and undertake independent research, which are valuable for both further study and future employment.

It is important for students to realise that the reading demands of this subject mean that they will be extending their knowledge at a higher level and, as such, they must be prepared to read widely and in great depth. Much of the work is done through discussion seminars.

Students will be expected to present prepared ideas to the class as well as take notes. Note taking and other organisational skills will be developed in order to prepare for both the coursework and examination assessments. In addition to the coursework assignments, essay writing techniques will be developed in readiness for the end of course examinations.

We encourage students to undertake any style of work experience, which will aid a range of skills required in the English course. However, should someone wish to pursue an English-oriented career, then work experience within the following sectors would be ideal: journalism and the media, education, librarianship/information management, curation, public relations.

Paper 1: Drama and Poetry Pre-1900. Students study one of Shakespeare’s plays, exploring his use of language and dramatic effects as well as how attitudes and values are expressed. Students also study a cluster of Victorian poetry.

Paper 2: Contextual Study. Students will study two texts linked to a chosen topic, for example ‘The Gothic’. Students will develop close reading skills and consider how attitudes and values are expressed.

Coursework - Students produce a text based on one literary text. This can be either a close reading task or re-creative writing with a commentary. Students will also produce a comparative essay based on two literary texts. All texts studied are chosen by students, and must be post-1900; one must be post-2000.

You could take this course to complement other advanced level courses or to prepare for the A2 part of an Advanced GCE in English Literature, which could lead onto higher education in English related studies or more general higher education courses. With further training, you could go into a job related to English Literature such as a Teacher, Journalist, Author or Poet. You could also go straight into a job as the AS GCE is a recognised qualification that will help you develop the skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers across lots of industries are looking for. You could take this course with other advanced level courses or equivalent to prepare for higher education in English studies or more general higher education courses. The course will also help you develop the skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers across lots of industries are looking for.