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Author: Susannah Mitchell

  • Getting Ready for a Stellar School Year: Tips for Year 10 and 11 English GCSE Students

    Getting Ready for a Stellar School Year: Tips for Year 10 and 11 English GCSE Students

    The beginning of a new school year brings with it a chance for fresh starts, new goals, and exciting opportunities. For Year 10 and 11 students gearing up for English GCSE, this is a crucial time to set the tone for success. These tips will help you prepare for an outstanding academic year.

    1. Set Clear Goals

    Start the year with a clear vision of what you want to achieve. Set specific goals for your English GCSE – whether it’s improving your essay writing, scoring higher in reading comprehension, or mastering literary analysis. Having these goals in mind will provide direction and motivation throughout the year.

    2. Organise Your Materials

    Arrange your notes, textbooks, and study guides in a way that makes them easily accessible. Consider using color-coded folders or digital tools to keep track of different topics and assignments. This will save you time and reduce stress when it’s time to study.

    3. Create a Study Schedule

    Consistency is key when it comes to studying. Develop a study schedule that allocates specific time blocks for English GCSE preparation. Break down your subjects into manageable chunks and assign focused study sessions to each. Remember to include breaks to prevent burnout and keep your mind fresh.

    4. Read Widely

    Do read beyond your set texts. Explore different genres, online news reports and comment, magazines, and online articles, as well as fiction. Not only will this enhance your reading skills, but it will also expand your vocabulary and expose you to different writing styles – all of which are valuable for your English GCSE exams.

    5. Practise Writing Regularly

    Writing is a skill that improves with practice. Set aside time each week to write creative pieces or responses to literary texts. Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. Get feedback from teachers or peers to identify areas for improvement.

    6. Annotate and Analyse Texts

    As you read literary texts, make a habit of annotating and analysing them. Highlight key passages, jot down notes in the margins, and mark important literary devices or themes. This active engagement with the material will deepen your understanding and make revision easier down the line.

    7. Use Online Resources

    There is a wealth of resources to support your studies. Look for educational websites that provide extra practice questions, study guides, and interactive learning tools. These resources can provide a fresh perspective and help reinforce your understanding of challenging concepts.

    8. Join or Form Study Groups

    Collaborative learning can be incredibly effective. Working with one or more classmates can provide new insights, different interpretations, and the chance to discuss complex topics. Explaining concepts to others is one of the best ways of learning them.

    9. Review Past Assignments

    Take time to go over your previous assignments and exams. Look for patterns in feedback and identify areas where you’ve shown improvement. This reflection will help you focus on your strengths while addressing any weaknesses.

    10. Stay Balanced

    While school work is important, don’t forget to maintain a balanced lifestyle. Make time for hobbies, physical activities, and spending time with friends and family. This will help you manage stress and maintain a positive attitude toward your studies.

    So there you are! By setting clear goals, organising your materials, establishing a study routine, and engaging with a variety of resources, you’ll be well on your way to achieving excellent results.

  • Keeping up English over the summer

    Keeping up English over the summer

    The summer holidays are a well-deserved break for your teenagers, but there is always the worry that they lose momentum before the new school year. In this blog, we’ll explore five creative and enjoyable ways to inspire your children to keep their English going over the summer, so they start the school year on the right foot.

    1. Read for Pleasure

    Encourage your child to dive into the world of literature for sheer enjoyment. Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or poetry, reading expands vocabulary, enhances comprehension, and fosters a deeper understanding of language nuances. Allow them to choose books that capture their interests and challenge their imagination. You could maybe consider reading the same book and discussing it together. Engaging in conversations about characters, plot twists, and the author’s writing style will not only bond you as a family but also strengthen your teen’s critical thinking skills.

    2. Writing Adventures

    Set your child on a writing adventure this summer. From keeping a personal journal to creating short stories or even attempting a novella, the possibilities are endless. Encourage them to explore different writing styles and genres. Additionally, suggest writing letters or emails to friends or family members who live far away. Writing not only enhances creativity but also improves grammar, vocabulary, and overall language proficiency.

    3. Language Immersion through Media

    Turn the summer holidays into a language immersion experience by incorporating different media. Encourage your teenager to watch movies, TV shows, documentaries, and YouTube channels. Exposing them to diverse media, and possibly concentrating on longer extracts than they are used to, with a range of vocabulary, dialogues, and presentation styles will strengthen their listening and comprehension skills. You could even organise family movie nights with English films, followed by discussions about the plot, characters, and themes.

    4. Debates and Discussions

    Engage your child in meaningful debates and discussions on various topics, ranging from current affairs to ethical dilemmas. Allow them to express their opinions while encouraging them to listen actively to opposing views. This practice sharpens their critical thinking, persuasive language, and communication skills.

    5. Online Language Resources

    Take advantage of the abundance of online resources to help your teenager practise and refine their English Language skills. There are numerous websites, apps, and language platforms designed to make learning fun and interactive. From vocabulary games to grammar quizzes and language exercises, these resources can be a valuable addition to your child’s summer routine.

    Emphasize the importance of continual learning and exploration, and remember that inspiring them through interactive and enjoyable methods is the key to success..
    With your support and guidance, your teenager will step into the new term with confidence and a passion for English Language that will serve them well throughout their exam years and beyond.

  • Choosing a private tutor

    Choosing a private tutor

    As a parent, it is understood you want to provide the best opportunities for your child. When it comes to subjects like GCSE English, where communication skills are vital, finding the right tutor to support school studies can make a significant difference. In this blog we offer advice to help you select a private tutor who can enhance your child’s learning experience and boost their performance in English.

    1. Assess Your Child’s Needs

    Before you even begin to search for a tutor, you need first to be clear what your child’s specific needs and goals are. What are the areas in which they are struggling, or wish to improve? It could be essay writing, analysis or exam techniques. Discuss your child’s needs with them, so you are clear of their expectations. This will help when selecting a tutor who can address their needs and tailor their teaching accordingly. The more your child is involved in and committed to the process, the better the results are likely to be.

    2. Qualifications and Experience

    Qualifications and experience are key factors to consider. Look for tutors with a degree in English or a related field such as Literature or Linguistics, as well as teaching certification. Additionally, look at their experience in teaching GCSE-level English, look at reviews or ask for testimonials from previous students or parents. An experienced tutor will have a deep understanding of the specification, marking criteria, and effective teaching methods, all of which helps to ensure they can provide valuable guidance and support to your child.

    3. Teaching Style and Approach

    Every child learns differently, so finding a tutor who can adapt their teaching style to match your child’s needs is crucial. Speak to potential tutors about their teaching approach and methods. Some students thrive with a more structured and formal approach, while others respond better to interactive sessions. A skilled tutor should be able to gauge your child’s learning style and adapt their teaching methods to suit, making the learning process enjoyable and effective.

    4. Availability and Commitment

    Think about the availability and commitment of the private tutor you are considering. Determine how many sessions a week your child requires and discuss the tutor’s availability to accommodate these needs. It is important to choose a tutor who can commit to a consistent schedule and provide ongoing support throughout the exam preparation period. Discuss how hey propose to communicate with you as a parent – their client – to discuss progress and address any concerns that may arise.

    5. Cost and Value

    Private tutoring services come at various price points, so it’s essential to consider the cost and value proposition. While it’s important to find a tutor within your budget, remember that quality education is an investment. Cheaper options may not always provide the level of expertise and personalized attention your child needs. Look for a balance between affordability and the tutor’s qualifications, experience and track record. Consider the long-term benefits that your child may gain from the guidance and knowledge of a well-qualified tutor.

    Remember, an excellent tutor not only imparts knowledge, but also inspires confidence and a love for the English language, setting your child on a path to success in their exams and beyond.

  • Taking the stress out of revision: some tools to help

    Taking the stress out of revision: some tools to help

    Revision can feel overwhelming, but there are tools that can help your child organise information and make it more memorable. Everyone is different, and some idea will work better than others. Here are a couple you can suggest. These will help with learning terminology for English Language and Literature and the themes, characters and topics in Literature texts.

    A Mind Map

    Here’s how

    For this, you need a large sheet of paper – A4 size or above – and a marker or pen.

    Begin with your central idea, for example a character or a theme. Write this in the middle of the page making it bold so it stands out.

    Create branches radiating from the central idea like spokes of a wheel. Each branch should represent a subtopic related to your central idea. You could use different colours to help key words stand out.

    Add further branches with key words to capture the main points of the subtopic. Keep these brief but meaningful so you can recall them easily.

    Make connections to show how branches are interrelated. This will help if you are looking for points of comparison.

    Now use it to revise

    • Use it to recall information
    • Quiz yourself
    • Teach the content to someone else using your Mind Map as a guide
    • Write up the content of the Mind Map into a paragraph

    Flashcards

    Here’s how

    First decide what you want to use them for: terminology and definitions? grammar rules? questions and answers? Make different sets to do different things.

    For these you need some index or file cards and a pen.

    On one side of the card write your term e.g. ‘hyperbole’ or a question e.g. ‘What is anaphora?’ Write the corresponding definition or answer on the other side of the card.

    Use colours or highlight key information to give visual cues.

    Keep them concise and focused. No long sentences!

    Start with a small set and gradually add more as you become familiar with the content.

    Now use them to revise

    • Review regularly to reinforce your memory and understanding.
    • Quiz yourself by looking at the term or question and recalling the definition or answer. Check your accuracy and review any cards your struggled with. Try the other way round: find the term from the definition.
    • Use them anywhere, in spare moments at any time.
    • Be active. Say the answers aloud, discuss them with a study partner, test one another.
    • Track your progress by marking the cards you have learned and reviewing those that need more practice.
    • Find a written text and look for examples of the language techniques and devices you have been revising.

    Whatever method used, encourage your child to try out some practice exam questions, so they are not simply memorising facts and terminology but have really learnt them, understood them and can apply them. Good luck!

  • GCSE Revision: a survival kit for parents

    GCSE Revision: a survival kit for parents

    When my son was taking his GCSE exams, I don’t know which of us was more anxious about them. I suspect it may have been me! It can be hard watching from the sidelines, hoping they have done enough all year, hoping they are doing enough revision now. Are they working, on their phones to their friends, playing games? Or actually learning some quotes and terminology? How should you intervene? Should you intervene?

    One thing is certain, getting stressed doesn’t help, and your child isn’t going to follow any system imposed on them. They need to find their own way. But sometimes a bit of a nudge can help. These are some approaches you can try.

    1. Encourage regular practice

    Encourage your child to practise regularly by setting aside dedicated study time. This will help them to focus and get into a routine. Creating a revision timetable can be helpful for this. Make sure they take regular breaks to prevent burnout and encourage them to take some physical activity to help them stay energised.

    2. Help them to stay organised

    Encourage your child to keep a revision diary where they can keep track of their progress, important dates and upcoming topics they need to revise. This will help them to feel more in control and reduce stress.

    3. Go over the exam requirements.

    This sounds obvious but you would be surprised how many students I have worked with who are getting close to the exams and can’t tell me what the paper is going to look like. Make sure they know the exam requirements, what form the questions will take and what examiners are looking for. This will help them to focus on the most important aspects of the exam.

    4. Use practice exam questions

    Working through practice questions will help your child familiarise themselves with the exam format, test out their knowledge of  the texts they have studied and apply their analytical skills. Past papers and revision guides are a good source. They can time themselves to help them manage their time in exams, and assess their own work against the mark scheme.

    5. Discuss the texts

    Engage in discussions with your child about the texts they are studying. Ask them questions to help them develop their ideas and encourage them to explain their reasoning. This will help them to develop their critical thinking skills and deepen their understanding of the texts.

    6. Keep positive!

    Revision, and the approach of exams, can be a stressful time for students. Providing positive reinforcement can help to boost their confidence and motivation. Encourage them to celebrate their successes, no mater how small, and offer words of encouragement and support.

    So there you have a few thoughts to work with. Supporting your child’s revision for English GCSE needs a combination of practical and emotional support. Encourage regular practice, help them stay organized, review the exam requirements, practise exam questions, discuss their texts with them and provide positive reinforcement. And remember, this too shall pass. Good luck!