English Literature AS/A Level 3

Applications Open: - 13th October 2025

Applications Close: - 18th November 2025

How to Apply: - Please apply directly to the school via our website www.twggs.kent.sch.uk. Follow the route 'Joining TWGGS', 'Joining The Sixth Form' to complete your application on Applicaa. For enquiries please contact admissions@twggs.kent.sch.uk.

We don't accept applications through Kent Choices.

Entry Requirements: - Entrance Criteria

Pupils entering the Sixth Form will be expected to have attained an average overall GCSE point score of at least 6 from their top 6 subjects. They must also achieve a minimum of a grade 5 in either English Language or Mathematics and a grade 4 in the other of English Language or Mathematics, and are usually expected to achieve at least a grade 7 in the subjects they wish to pursue at A level (or related subjects, as agreed by the school). In addition, pupils wishing to take Art or Design Technology will be expected to submit a portfolio of artwork and pupils wishing to take Music will be expected to have reached at least Grade 5 in their instrument or voice.

Offers will be made on the basis of predicted performance at GCSE, with the requirement that the above grades are achieved in the final examinations prior to entry to the Sixth Form and the pupil’s 3 or 4 chosen subjects being accommodated on the timetable, with no group size exceeding its maximum number of pupils.

All offers made during Year 11 are conditional on pupils meeting the grade criteria specified and will only become firm offers upon confirmation of actual GCSE results.

Exam Board: AQA

“You develop the insight of an artist, the analytical precision of a scientist and the persuasiveness of a lawyer.”

English Literature builds on the content of GCSE by broadening the range of texts studied and developing the skills appropriate to literary study. Pupils have the opportunity to read a variety of styles including established classics and modern literature. As well as fostering a love of literature and language, the A Level English course is a flexible and adaptable subject that opens up a wide range of career choices. Pupils are encouraged to analyse and discuss; give presentations; read widely; pursue their own independent research and produce clearly structured and well-organised pieces of writing. In the first year pupils will focus on the theme of “Love through the Ages”. In the second year they will explore “Literature from 1945 to the present day.”

A LEVEL EXAMINATION

UNIT 1 - Love through the Ages

3 hour examination in three parts:

(a) Shakespeare

(b) Unseen poetry

(c) Comparing texts

WEIGHTING 40%

UNIT 2 - Texts in Shared Context 1945-present

2½ hour examination in two parts:

(a) a question on an unseen extract

(b) an essay question linking two texts

(c) essay on modern drama

WEIGHTING 40%

UNIT 3 - Independent Critical Study

One extended essay of 2,500 words.

Comparative critical study of two texts at least one of which must have been written pre-1900.

WEIGHTING 20%

The qualification is accepted by a variety of degree courses. Contrary to popular belief, teaching is not the main occupation of English graduates. Many go into law, management, research and consultancy, the civil service, the media, politics as well as publishing, journalism and the creative industries.

A wide range of teaching styles is used at A Level. Pupils are expected to take responsibility for their learning and are given guidance in organising their private study time and managing their workload effectively. Staff offer a rigorous but supportive learning environment, especially with regard to producing written responses. Pupils are taught to analyse texts critically in terms of genre, context and the writer’s craft. They are encouraged to make comparisons between texts and to develop their own independent opinions and judgements. Pupils of English possess skills in written and spoken communication, working independently and thinking critically, which are skills highly valued by universities and employers.

Pupils are requested to buy their own texts for the purpose of annotation. This amounts to approximately £40 over the two years and may be funded through the 16-19 Bursary where appropriate. Pupils are invited to participate in theatre trips and literature conferences; the cost of these over the course is approximately £50.

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. The qualification is accepted by a variety of degree courses. Contrary to popular belief, teaching is not the main occupation of English graduates. Many go into law, management, research and consultancy, the civil service, the media, politics as well as publishing, journalism and the creative industries. 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.