With the festive season fast approaching, it’s time to reflect on what has been achieved over the past month, whilst looking at the exciting opportunities ahead. This week’s blog is packed with updates, tips, and a little humour to keep you motivated as we head into the final stretch of the year. Let’s jump in!
KS3: Analytical Excellence & Contextual Depth 📚
This week, our KS3 tutees took their first steps toward GCSE-level analytical writing. The focus? Structuring paragraphs that pack a punch and weaving in contextual awareness to add depth. AQA’s marking criteria for English Literature (AO3) rewards students for understanding the cultural, historical, and personal contexts that influence a writer’s work. For example, exploring how a poet’s experiences shape their perspective adds richness to a response. Our tutees found it fascinating, and we can’t wait to build on these skills over the coming weeks.
KS4: Webinars, Weather & Winning Feedback 🌧️
Last Sunday’s English Literature Paper 1 Webinar was a roaring success! Thank you to all who joined us—there were some really insightful questions asked throughout, despite the Macbeth-esque weather outside (fair is foul, right?). We hope the session left our tutees feeling confident about Macbeth and Jekyll & Hyde. The feedback has been brilliant, and congratulations to the lucky tutee who won the £20 Amazon voucher from our first webinar’s feedback draw. Hopefully, they’ll put it toward some revision resources—or snacks!
With mock exams now drawing to a close, we’re beyond proud of how brilliantly our GCSE tutees have handled the pressure. Your resilience has set you up perfectly for the challenges of the summer exams. Next up, we’ll shift the focus to English Literature Paper 2 (hello, poetry!), whilst sharpening those skills for English Language Paper 2.
KS5: Coursework Countdown & Future Focus 📝
It’s all about coursework right now for our KS5 students, with deadlines looming large. But don’t panic—your effort is shining through, and the finish line is in sight. With mock and predicted grades coming soon, many of our tutees are preparing for the next big step: submitting personal statements and university applications. Exciting times ahead! We’re confident that your hard work will pay off. Keep going—you’ve got this!
Festive Tip Time: Balance Is Key ✨
Bradley’s Tip: Split your festive days for balance.
Those strange days between celebrations in December are perfect for light revision. Spend your mornings tackling a bit of English—maybe a mock exam question or reviewing key quotes. Then switch off in the afternoons with Netflix, games, or some well-deserved relaxation. You’ll stay sharp without feeling overwhelmed.
Jemma’s Tip: Keep it bite-sized.
Short bursts of focused revision (30-45 minutes) can keep your mind ticking over without burning you out. Pair it with some treats (hot chocolate, anyone?) for a balanced and effective approach to your study routine.
And if you’re looking for a way to keep those juices flowing, why not book in a one-to-one session with us? December time slots are now live, so secure yours before they go! It’s the perfect way to fit in some light revision while still enjoying the holiday vibes. Book your session here!
Festive Offer: Don’t Miss Out! 🎁
We’re thrilled to be offering a fab festive deal: Book in two tuition sessions between Saturday 21st December and Wednesday 2nd January and receive a FREE session to use before the end of January 2025!
What better way to kick off the New Year than feeling ahead of the game?
Poetry in Motion: Final Webinar of 2024! ✨
Tickets are now live for our final webinar of the year, Poetry in Motion, for just £12.99! This session will break down the GCSE English Literature Poetry section into bite-sized, manageable chunks and provide a ready-to-use template for comparing poems effectively. Start your poetry revision on the right note heading into 2025.
Collaboration Spotlight: Student Pod 🌍
We’re excited to announce our collaboration with Student Pod, a fantastic organisation supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds worldwide. Like us, they’re committed to providing accessible, high-quality education, and we’re thrilled to work together to make a difference.
Funny Flashback: Bradley’s Final Mock Exam 🎓
True story: Bradley’s relief at finishing his final Year 11 mock exam (RS) in January 2003 came with a small dose of irony. As he handed in his paper and stretched his legs outside the exam hall, his teacher caught up with him and casually asked, “Feeling good about that? Confident on Question 4?” Bradley froze, realizing that in the haze of writing, he’d completely forgotten to check the back page—where, of course, Question 4 was hiding. Cue a sheepish nod and a silent vow to always check every page of an exam paper moving forward. Lesson learned? Always flip through your paper before saying goodbye to it—mock exams are where we make (and learn from) these mistakes!
Mental Health Boost: Beating the Winter Blues 🌟
Shorter days can be tough, but here’s a strategy to help: “Sunlight & Movement.” Even a quick 10-minute walk outside during daylight can boost your mood and energy levels. Pair this with a cozy evening routine—think hot drinks and journaling—to keep those winter blues at bay. Remember, it’s all about finding moments of light, even in the darker days.
Life Outside the Books: Bad Sisters & Santa Prep 🎅
This week has been a relaxed one for Team BA Tuition, and it’s been a joy to spend some quality time with family. We’ve been binge-watching the new season of Bad Sisters on Apple TV+—the twists, drama, and dark humour have been the perfect way to unwind after a busy few months.
Family time has been a big theme this week too, and we’re gearing up for an exciting visit to Santa’s Grotto on Saturday! Bradley’s been joking that he’s more excited than Arlo, but given the gleam in his eye every time someone mentions Santa, we think he’s serious.
Here’s to balancing work, fun, and a sprinkle of holiday magic! ✨
See you next week and remember to keep that focus and stay BA….Tuition!
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