English Literature A Level (AQA)

Applications Open: - 7th November 2025

Applications Close: - 8th June 2026 (Applications will still be considered after this date)

Other Information:- Please select a minimum of three A-Level courses. Contact Mark.Shenton@sandwich-tech.kent.sch.uk for further course information

Entry Requirements: Some courses have additional entry requirements. These can be found on the prospectus.

Level 3 - 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or higher including English and Mathematics.

Transition - 5 GCSEs at grade 3 or higher. Either English or Mathematics must be at a grade 4.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

Questions/Queries:-Mark.shenton@sandwich-tech.kent.sch.uk

Site Tours:- Mark.shenton@sandwich-tech.kent.sch.uk

Why study this subject?

Following this course will enhance your love of literature. Successful candidates will actively engage in wider reading beyond the classroom and enjoy the discussion that surrounds textual analysis. You will gain extensive experience of working independently and in groups as well as presenting your ideas to your peers and tutors.

Units that will be studied

The course comprises of three units:

• Love Through the Ages

• Texts in Shared Contexts- Modern Times: Literature from 1945 to the Present Day

• Independent Critical Study: Texts Across Time

Assessment

Paper 1 3hr examination on Love Through the Ages. Text we study are: ‘The Great Gatsby’, pre-1900 poetry, ‘Taming of the Shrew’ and unseen poetry. 40%.

Paper 2 2hr 30min examination on texts in shared contexts- modern times including: ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’, ‘Skirrid Hill’ poetry collection and unseen prose. 40%.

Coursework Comparative critical study of two texts, at least one of which must have been written pre-1900. This takes the form of one extended essay (2500 words) and includes a bibliography 20%.

LEVEL 3 ROUTE OF STUDY

STS Sixth Form offers a broad range of A Level and Applied general qualifications that will prepare you for university or employment. To access this route, you will need to have at least 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths; however, some subjects have specific entry criteria. You will study a programme that can be tailored to meet your interests and future aspirations to give you the best chance of academic success. This programme is a two-year linear course. To study four level 3 courses, you must have at least 5 GCSEs at grade 7 or above. All courses are subject to change and are not set in stone.

Additional Entry Requirements

GCSE English Language or English Literature at grade 6 or above