Application Instructions
Applications Open - 3 November 2025
Applications Close - 23 January 2026 (This is the official deadline, when planning for the new timetable will begin; however, applications will still be accepted after this date.)
Entry Requirements
IBCP: 3 x Grade 6 & 2 x Grade 5 (inc English & Maths)
IBDP: 6 x Grade 6 & 2 x Grade 5 (inc English & Maths)
IB course option: 6 x Grade 6 & 2 x Grade 5 (inc English & Maths)
How to Apply - Please apply via KentChoices
Course Summary
The key aim is to foster the enjoyment of and the ability to fully understand and analyse a broad range of literary genres, moving the students far beyond their accustomed reading patterns. Texts integral to students' literary heritage, plus a range of texts in translation, are studied. Students will become confident, independent readers and interpreters of literature. They will be able to articulate in a clear and expressive way their personal response, and to deconstruct skillfully authorial purposes and techniques, including comparative analysis of set texts and unseen material.
Course Details
At higher level, ten works of literature are studied, while seven texts are covered at standard level.
1. Texts in translation
Students study at least three texts in translation as part of the course.
2. Oral commentary
Standard and Higher level — a ten minute recorded discussion with a teacher on two chosen passages from texts studied on the course followed by five minutes of questions. This component will be assessed in the summer of Year 12.
3. Higher Level Essay
Higher Level - one essay on a text of choice studied on the course exploring a specific theme linked to method. This component will be completed in the autumn of Year 13.
4. Exam preparation
A comparative essay on two texts of choice studied in Year 13.
Unseen commentary — a choice between analysing poetry, prose or drama. Work on this paper will be ongoing throughout the course but particularly emphasised in year 13. Higher level students must answer on both provided unseen texts, whereas Standard students will select one.
How will it be delivered and assessed?
Higher Level:
Coursework/Internal Assessment: 40%
20% Oral commentary
20% Higher Level Essay
External assessment: 60%
Paper 1 — Unseen commentary 30%
Paper 2 — Comparative paper 30%
Entry requirements
General entry requirements:
International Baccalaureate Diploma: 6 x grade 6 and 2 x grade 5 at GCSE or equivalent.
International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme: 3 x grade 6 and 2 x grade 5 at GCSE or equivalent.
Your next steps...
We have a strong history of students going on to study English-related degrees.
For more courses like this, check our courses page.
