English Literature A Level

Sixth Form Open Evening- Wednesday 5th November 5-7pm

Applications Open - Now!

Applications Close - End of Term 4 2026. Please contact Mrs Silvester if you would like to apply after this date (lucy.silvester@swale.at)

Entry Requirements: - Generally 5 grade 5s or above in GCSE, including English and Maths but some subjects do vary.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

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.

Students will study a range of texts from the literary canon with a particular emphasis on tragedy and political and social protest writing. Over two years, students will study a selection of drama, prose and poetry texts, including works by William Shakespeare, John Keats, William Blake, Arthur Miller, Khaled Hosseini and Margaret Atwood. 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.

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.

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

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 benefitted 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.