A level English Literature

Our core entry requirements are six or more GCSEs at grade 5+, including 5+ in English literature, language and mathematics. There are also subject-specific criteria for some subjects as detailed on our websites linked below.

Entry requirements on the Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form website

Entry requirements on the Jane Austen College website

Over the course of the two years, students study a variety of different texts (poetry, prose and drama), connected through either their theme (love through the ages) or the time in which they were written (either WW1 and its aftermath, or modern times: literature from 1945 to the present day). As part of the course, students must study a Shakespeare play, a core literary heritage novel, as well as a pre-1900 text and a contemporary (post 2000) text.

The majority of assessment is through examination at the end of the A-Level course; however, in the second year, students also have the opportunity to complete an independent critical study into texts across time. These texts are chosen by the students and are driven by individual students’ interests. At least one, however, must have been written pre-1900.

GCSE 5+ in both English literature and English language

For entry to the school overall, you will need six or more GCSEs at grade 5+ including maths, English literature and English language