English Literature is an ideal choice for anyone who loves reading and books, and is interested in the big questions affecting human existence. Studying English Literature at A-level will encourage you to read widely and independently, both set texts and ones you choose yourself, exploring contexts, connections and readings from different theoretical starting points.
Before being accepted into the Sixth Form on our standard academic programme, we would normally expect you to have acquired a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade 5 or above on the new 9-1 grading scale (grade C and above for A*-G Welsh and some iGCSE programmes). However, individual circumstances and choice of subjects are taken into account. A prospective student for an individual A-level subject should achieve at least a grade 5 in that subject at GCSE. In some subjects, higher GCSE grades are required. Modern foreign languages require a grade 6 at GCSE and science subjects (biology, chemistry, physics) require a grade 7 (double 7 in combined science), although a grade 6 may be considered in exceptional circumstances. Those wishing to study mathematics will have a minimum of a grade 7 at GCSE, while for further mathematics it is grade 8. For psychology A-level, it is expected that students will have a least grade 5 in GCSE English language, mathematics and at least one science. New students – UK: Every year we welcome new students from both independent and state schools into our Sixth Form. Every applicant is considered individually. If you are available, please come to our Open Evening in October. We also recommend you visit us on a normal school day where you will have the chance to meet the Headmaster, Head of Sixth Form and current students. Offers are made on the basis of an interview and are conditional on your GCSE results. New students – International: International students are expected to have a reasonable competence in spoken and written English on arrival at West Buckland and the ability to progress with the specialist support of the EAL department. Overseas students applying to study at West Buckland should provide the following to start their application: • Copies of their last two school reports. • A piece of their handwriting (one to two sides of A4), written in English, telling us about themselves, their hobbies and interests.
Paper 1: Drama (30%) Paper length: 2 hours and 15 minutes Section A: Shakespeare - One essay question from a choice of two on the studied Shakespeare text. Section B: Other drama - One essay question from a choice of two on the studied drama text. Paper 2: Prose (20%) Paper length: 1 hour and 15 minutes One comparative essay question, from a choice of two, on the studied prose texts. Paper 3: Poetry (30%) Paper length 2 hours and 15 minutes Section A: Contemporary Poetry - One essay question, from a choice of two, comparing an unseen modern poem and one named poem from the studied collection. Section B: Poetry collections - One essay question, from a choice of two, on the studied period or author. Non-exam assessment: (20% One extended comparative essay referring to two texts (2500-3000 words).
About Education Provider
| Region | South West |
| Local Authority | Devon |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Day £9,090 - £20,640; Boarding £27,090 - £40,290 |
| Sixth Form Fee | Unknown |
| Address | West Buckland, Barnstaple, EX32 0SX |
English Literature is an ideal choice for anyone who loves reading and books, and is interested in the big questions affecting human existence. Studying English Literature at A-level will encourage you to read widely and independently, both set texts and ones you choose yourself, exploring contexts, connections and readings from different theoretical starting points.
Before being accepted into the Sixth Form on our standard academic programme, we would normally expect you to have acquired a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade 5 or above on the new 9-1 grading scale (grade C and above for A*-G Welsh and some iGCSE programmes). However, individual circumstances and choice of subjects are taken into account. A prospective student for an individual A-level subject should achieve at least a grade 5 in that subject at GCSE. In some subjects, higher GCSE grades are required. Modern foreign languages require a grade 6 at GCSE and science subjects (biology, chemistry, physics) require a grade 7 (double 7 in combined science), although a grade 6 may be considered in exceptional circumstances. Those wishing to study mathematics will have a minimum of a grade 7 at GCSE, while for further mathematics it is grade 8. For psychology A-level, it is expected that students will have a least grade 5 in GCSE English language, mathematics and at least one science. New students – UK: Every year we welcome new students from both independent and state schools into our Sixth Form. Every applicant is considered individually. If you are available, please come to our Open Evening in October. We also recommend you visit us on a normal school day where you will have the chance to meet the Headmaster, Head of Sixth Form and current students. Offers are made on the basis of an interview and are conditional on your GCSE results. New students – International: International students are expected to have a reasonable competence in spoken and written English on arrival at West Buckland and the ability to progress with the specialist support of the EAL department. Overseas students applying to study at West Buckland should provide the following to start their application: • Copies of their last two school reports. • A piece of their handwriting (one to two sides of A4), written in English, telling us about themselves, their hobbies and interests.
Paper 1: Drama (30%) Paper length: 2 hours and 15 minutes Section A: Shakespeare - One essay question from a choice of two on the studied Shakespeare text. Section B: Other drama - One essay question from a choice of two on the studied drama text. Paper 2: Prose (20%) Paper length: 1 hour and 15 minutes One comparative essay question, from a choice of two, on the studied prose texts. Paper 3: Poetry (30%) Paper length 2 hours and 15 minutes Section A: Contemporary Poetry - One essay question, from a choice of two, comparing an unseen modern poem and one named poem from the studied collection. Section B: Poetry collections - One essay question, from a choice of two, on the studied period or author. Non-exam assessment: (20% One extended comparative essay referring to two texts (2500-3000 words).