IB English Language & Literature

Applications Open: Now

Applications Close: 27 February 2026

Entry Requirements: - 5 GCSE's 4 or above including English and Maths

How to Apply

Internal students - Please apply via Applicaa using this link - https://skinnerskentacademy.applicaa.com/year12

External students - Please apply via KentChoices using this link - https://www.kentprospectus.co.uk/login. Please note - after sending your application, you'll receive a welcome email from Applicaa asking for further information.

In this course, students study a wide range of literary and non-literary texts in a variety of media. By examining communicative acts across literary form and textual type alongside appropriate secondary readings, students will investigate the nature of language itself and the ways in which it shapes and is influenced by identity and culture. Approaches to study in the course are meant to be wide ranging and can include literary theory, sociolinguistics, media studies and critical discourse analysis among others.

Helping students to focus closely on the language of studied texts and to become aware of the role of wider context in shaping meaning is central to the course. The study of literature in translation from other cultures is especially important as it contributes to a global perspective. Texts are chosen from a variety of sources, genres and media.

The study of language and literature, and the development of the relevant skills, is divided into three areas of exploration:

• the exploration of the nature of the interactions between READERS, WRITERS AND TEXTS

• the exploration of how texts interact with TIME AND SPACE

• the exploration of INTERTEXTUALITY and how texts connect with each other

• Available at higher and standard levels

• Higher level study requires a minimum of 240 class hours, while standard level study requires a minimum of 150 class hours

• Students study 6 works at higher level and 4 works at standard level from a representative selection of genres, periods and places

• Students develop the techniques needed for the critical analysis of communication, becoming alert to interactions between text, audience and purpose

• An understanding of how language, culture and context determine the construction of meaning is developed through the exploration of texts, some of which are studied in translation, from a variety of cultures, periods and genres

• Students are assessed through a combination of formal examinations, written coursework and oral activities

• The formal examination comprises two essay papers, one requiring the analysis of two unseen non-literary texts, and the other a comparative essay based on the literary works studied

• Students also produce an essay on either a non-literary text or literary work studied

• Finally, students carry out an oral presentation on either a non-literary text or literary work studied.

Students are assessed through a combination of formal examinations, written coursework and oral activities

General Entry Requirement for The Skinners’ Kent Academy Sixth Form

Minimum of GCSE grade 4 (G4) in English and Mathematics plus 3 other GCSEs at grades 9-4

Subject specific minimum entry requirements are:

English Language and Literature: G6, G5 Combination

Taken in combination with other subjects and depending on your pathway of study this course can lead to higher education and/or apprenticeships.