Welcome to another week of English excellence with a sprinkle of fun and, of course, the quirks of learning. We’ve got poetry progress, webinar success stories, and some memory tricks to keep you on your toes. Let’s get started!
KS3 Spotlight: Still Cracking the Code of The Emigree 🔍
It’s week two of our deep dive into Carol Rumens’ The Emigree, and we’re still uncovering layers of meaning and complexity within this powerful poem. Tackling themes of memory, identity, and displacement is no easy feat, but our Key Stage 3 tutees have stepped up to the challenge with determination. This week, we focused on structuring analytical responses to answer specific questions—how to introduce a thesis, embed evidence seamlessly, and offer interpretations that pack a punch.
The imagery in The Emigree is evocative and, at times, ambiguous, making it a fantastic opportunity to stretch those analytical muscles. Whether exploring the “sunlight-clear” memories of the speaker’s homeland or the tension between reality and nostalgia, our students are showing just how perceptive and thoughtful they can be. Great work, KS3—you’re making waves!
KS4 Exam Edge: Webinar Success & Lit Prep 📚
Last Sunday, we delivered our first-ever BA English Tuition webinar focused on the AQA GCSE English Language Paper 1, and it was a blast! Thank you to everyone who joined us; We hope you walked away feeling more prepared and confident for your impending mock exam. We’ve already received some fantastic feedback, and as promised, the £20 Amazon voucher draw for all those who submitted feedback forms will take place tomorrow. Stay tuned for the winner’s announcement in next week’s blog!
Behind the Scenes: During the webinar, what you couldn’t see (thankfully!) was Jemma’s surprise visitor—Arlo, our 2-year-old, and his beloved toy giraffe. While Jemma was deep into explaining how to approach Question 3 on structural analysis, Arlo suddenly appeared, waving a toy animal and making the full range of sounds from 'Old MacDonald Had a Farm.' As Jemma seamlessly continued discussing narrative structure and the format of response students should provide, she was also subtly wrestling with a wooden giraffe and offering whispered “snack negotiations” to keep the peace. The explanations remained on-point as Jemma pulled off a masterclass in multitasking. Lesson learned? When it comes to structure, even a toy giraffe can add unexpected twists!
Next up: GCSE English Literature Paper 1 Webinar this coming Sunday evening. We’ll be covering everything you need to know before this mock exam. Haven’t signed up yet? There’s still time!
KS5 Masterclass: Facing Challenges & Moving Forward ⏱️
We know our Key Stage 5 tutees are feeling the pressure right now, especially with some A Level English challenges that go beyond what we can control here at BA English Tuition. But know this—we are here for you, every step of the way. You’ve just completed the English Language Paper 2 mock, and while the wait for results can be nerve-wracking, we’re proud of the effort you’ve put in. Now, it’s all about focusing on finishing coursework and ramping up your revision to meet those goals you’ve set for yourself. Remember, you’ve got this!
Your dedication inspires us, and together, we’ll make sure you cross the finish line stronger than ever.
Bradley & Jemma’s Memory Hacks for Key Quotations 🧠
Struggling to remember those key quotations from Macbeth and Jekyll & Hyde? Don’t worry—we’ve got your back!
Bradley’s Tip: "Visual Association Technique"
Picture each key quotation as a vivid scene. For example, envision Macbeth’s descent into madness with the quote “Out, damned spot!” connected to something familiar—like an ink stain on your hand. The visual link will help solidify the quote in your memory.
Jemma’s Tip: "Mnemonics with a Twist"
Turn key quotes into funny or memorable phrases. For example, to remember “The fog rolled in on cat’s feet” from Jekyll & Hyde, imagine an actual cat sneaking through London’s fog! Silly, but it works.
A Big Thank You & Booking Update ❤️
A huge thank you to our wonderful tutees and their families for choosing to learn with us! We’re delighted to announce that we’re almost fully booked, so when wanting to book in additional sessions, be sure to grab a spot quickly. Slots are updated every Monday for the following two weeks. And yes, the friendly rivalry continues—who’s more popular, Bradley or Jemma? In reality, we’re both just thrilled to be helping as many students as possible achieve their best!
Poetry in Motion: Webinar Extravaganza! 🎟️
We’re thrilled to announce our upcoming “Poetry in Motion” webinar—a must-attend session on Monday 16th December (6.45pm - 7.15pm) designed to tackle the poetry section of English Literature Paper 2! Bookings have literally just gone live and we can’t wait to walk you through every essential requirement and analysis strategy to master the power and conflict cluster. Your feedback has prompted us to create this webinar, and it will focus on an area that many have said they feel less confident in. We really want you to head into the festive season equipped and ready to shine and we are more than happy to help!
Plus, more regular monthly webinars are on the way in January, offering tailored sessions for KS3, KS4, and KS5. Let’s keep your skills sharp and your confidence soaring—continue to watch this space!
Mind Matters: Stay Grounded During Exams 🌿
Feeling anxious as you step into the exam room? Try this: Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR). Starting with your toes, tense and then relax each muscle group in your body, working your way up. This technique can help ease tension and clear your mind, setting you up for a calm, focused exam experience.
Special Christmas Offer 🎁
Book two tuition sessions between 21st December 2024 and 2nd January 2025 and get a third session FREE to use by 31st January 2025. Don’t miss out on this festive deal—secure your learning boost now!
Life Outside the Books: The Corrs & Webinar Prep 🎶
This week, we swapped lessons for lyrics at The Corrs concert at The O2! Despite claiming he “wasn’t a Corrs fan,” Bradley knew every word (caught red-handed!). It was the perfect break before diving into prep for Sunday’s Literature pre-mock webinar. Picture Jemma brainstorming with a whiteboard, Bradley making dramatic gestures, and Arlo chiming in with an enthusiastic “Giraaffee!”—keeping it quirky, as always!
Remember to stay focused and stay BA….Tuition! 🎉
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