IB English A: Language & Literature

Applications Open - 3rd November 2025

Applications Close - 3rd April 2026

Entry Requirements -

IBDP - 6 Grade 6s

IBCP - 5 Grade 5s

Level 3 - 4 Grade 4s

Level 2 - dependent

How to Apply - Please apply via KentChoices

To apply for courses at TMS sixth form please select the subject combination you wish to apply for. The combinations as described are subject to change so please put in your ideal choices, even if they do not match the options grid.

All course options will be confirmed post interviews.

When you access the application page you will be shown a list of subjects only. Please note they will not be separated into the 3 different pathways (vocational, IBCP, IBDP)

For those wishing to apply for the level1/2 vocational pathway, please select this as an option. You do not need to select any further subjects and individual choices will be confirmed at interview.

For those wishing to apply for the IBCP or IBDP pathway please select the individual choices from the list.

Level1/2 Vocational pathway

Select the Level1/2 vocational pathway only

In this course, students will learn about the complex and dynamic nature of language and explore both its practical and aesthetic dimensions. They will explore the crucial role language plays in communication, reflecting experience and shaping the world. Throughout the course, students will explore the various ways in which their language choices, texts types, literary forms and contextual elements all affect meaning. Through close analysis of various text types and literary forms, students will consider their own interpretations, as well as the critical perspectives of others, to explore how such positions are shaped by cultural belief systems and to negotiate meanings for texts.

At higher level, thirteen works of literature are studied, while ten texts are covered at standard level.

1. Texts in translation

Students study three texts in translation. One piece of written coursework must be completed by higher and standard level students on one of these texts. This assignment will be completed in year 12.

2. Oral presentation

A fifteen minute talk on individual choice of topic from thematically linked texts studied in class; there is an opportunity to be creative in response. This task will be completed in year 12.

3. Oral commentary

Standard level — a ten minute recorded discussion with a teacher on a passage from texts studied in class. Students will not know in advance which extract they will be given but will have twenty minutes preparation time. This component will be assessed in the autumn term of year 13.

Higher level — a ten minute recorded discussion with a teacher on a poem studied in class. Students will not know in advance which poem they will have. They are given twenty minutes to prepare the extract for discussion. There is a discussion for ten minutes on another text. This component will be assessed during the autumn term of year 13.

4. Exam preparation

A comparative essay on a selection of texts by a range of poets studied in class 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.

Internal assessment: 55% (coursework)

25% Texts in translation

30% Oral presentation and oral commentary

External assessment: 45%

Paper 1 — Unseen commentary 20%

Paper 2 — Comparative analysis of poetry 25%

General entry requirements:

International Baccalaureate Diploma: 6 x grade 6 or above, including Maths and English (GCSE or equivalent).

International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme: 5 x grade 5 or above, including Maths and English (GCSE or equivalent.)

We have a strong history of students going on to successful university places and apprenticeships.