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Skinners School Academy Trust, The

English Literature A Level 3

Skinners School Academy Trust, The

, St John's Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9PG

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

Available start dates

Available start dates

Tuesday, 01 September 2026
The Skinners School Academy Trust
1 Year(s)
Full time
Daytime/working hours

Application Instructions

Applications Open: - 8th October 2025

Applications Close:- 20th August 2026

How to Apply: - Please contact The Skinners’ School directly to apply. We do not accept applications via KentChoices

Please see here for more information about our Sixth Form and to complete an application form.

Course Summary

Our A level English Literature course aims to develop skills of literary analysis through creative engagement with a range of prose, poetry and drama texts. At the same time students will gain a deeper understanding of the heritage and changing traditions of literature in English.

Course Details

Unit 1: Drama and Poetry pre-1900

There are two parts to the exam: Shakespeare and the comparative study of two heritage texts: one poetry, one prose. Your study will involve critical analysis of structure, form as well as consideration of varying interpretations and context. You will be encouraged to compare and contrast texts across a range of works and authors from1300 – 1900.

Texts to be studied:

  • Shakespeare: Hamlet or The Tempest
  • Drama: A Doll’s House – Ibsen
  • Poetry: Selected Poems - Rossetti

Unit 2: Comparative and contextual study

This unit allows the opportunity to develop an understanding of literary texts across a genre. Not only will it provide an appreciation of the cultural and contextual influences upon readers and writers but develop skills in practical criticism, through the analysis of an unseen extract

Texts to be studied (Gothic literature):

  • The Bloody Chamber—Angela Carter
  • Dracula – Bram Stoker
  • A variety of unseen texts from the genre and period.

Unit 3: Literature post-1900

Through the study of modern literature, including a work published after 2000, you will learn to compare texts and gain confidence in the use of literary critical concepts and terminology. You will produce a 1000 word essay on a collection of poetry and a comparative 2000 word essay on two texts: a play and a prose text

Texts to be studied:

A range of texts are offered, including:

  • One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
  • A Streetcar Named Desire
  • Birdsong
  • The Two Worlds of Charlie F
  • Post-2000 poetry from a range of poets including Seamus Heaney, Wilfred Owen, Carol Ann Duffy & Natalie Diaz.

How will it be delivered and assessed?

Unit 1: Drama and Poetry pre-1900

  • 2 ½ hour exam. Closed text. 60 marks. 40% of A level

Unit 2: Comparative and contextual study

  • 2 ½ hour exam. Closed text. 60 marks. 40% of A level

Unit 3: Literature post-1900

  • Coursework - 1 x 1000 word essay, 1 x 2000 word essay. 40 marks. 20% of A level

Entry requirements

GCSE English Literature and Language grade 5; a love of reading and sharing ideas is also very useful.

Your next steps...

English combines well with many other subjects. History, RE and Modern Foreign languages are particularly suitable, but it can also be a helpful contrast to scientific, technological and mathematical based subjects. The English Literature qualification prepares you for a diverse range of careers as the training in analytical skills and discussion is widely seen as excellent preparation for many careers.

For more courses like this, check our courses page.