English Literature A level 3

Applications Open: - Monday 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: - Thursday 20th August 2026.

General Sixth Form Entry Requirements: - Minimum 4 GCSE passes at Grade 4 and above to study BTEC or vocational courses; 5 GCSE passes at 4 and above to study A level/BTEC combination; 5 GCSE's at Grades 5 and above to study straight A Levels.

*Please note there may be subject specific entry requirements which also need to be met.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices. Applications via email will not be accepted.

AQA English Literature A level

Students who do best in this subject enjoy reading, the close study of text and language, critical discussion and appreciation as well as researching the contextual influences on texts and how these illuminate our understanding of them. Students are expected to read challenging texts independently, participate in and often lead seminar type sessions and enjoy the challenge of developing the necessarily critical written style that English Literature responses demand.

Paper 1 - Literary Genres Students will study three texts in preparation for this externally examined unit; Shakespeare, drama and one other text within the genre of Tragedy.

Paper 2 - Texts and Genres Students will study three texts: one post 2000 prose text, one poetry and one further text (one must be pre-1900) from a choice of two areas- Crime Writing or Political and social protest writing.

Theory and Independence This unit requires students to study two texts: one poetry and one prose, informed by study of the Critical Anthology provided by the exam board.

Paper 1 - Literary Genres

One 2 and a half hour exam worth 40% of the qualification. The exam is closed book meaning they will not be allowed to take copies of the text into the exam.

Paper 2 - Texts and Genres This will be assessed in a 3 hour examination worth 40% of the qualification. This paper has a requirement for a response to an unseen text and three other set texts. This is an open text exam meaning students are able to take unannotated copies of the text into the exam with them.

Theory and Independence The assessment comprises of two essays of 1250-1500 words. The work is assessed by the teacher and moderated by AQA. The essays are worth 20% of the final qualification.

Five GCSE 9-4 grades.

It is essential to have gained Grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language and 5 in GCSE English Literature.

Although a subject of great versatility, students interested in a career in all aspects of media (television, radio and print), teaching, librarianship, law, advertising, public relations among many other careers, should consider choosing English Literature for A Level study.