As December rolls on, the festive cheer continues to build and so is the momentum in our tutees learning journeys. With mock exams completed, another webinar on the horizon and a fun little visit to Santa’s Grotto, there’s plenty to reflect on during another jam-packed week at BA Tuition.
Front and Centre: Our Christmas Deal! 🎁
The holidays are almost here, and we’re thrilled that many of you are now taking advantage of our special Christmas deal; Booking in two tuition sessions between Saturday 21st December and Wednesday 2nd January and receiving a FREE session to use before the end of January 2025!
It’s the perfect way to kickstart the New Year, ensuring you’re ahead of the game as we head into exam season. Don’t miss out—Book in your 3 sessions now!
Webinar Spotlight: Poetry in Motion ✍️
Our final webinar of 2024, Poetry in Motion, is here to make the poetry section of GCSE English Literature Paper 2 a breeze. For just £12.99, you’ll learn exactly what you need to revise, along with a ready-to-use structure for comparing poems confidently.
This is your chance to enter 2025 feeling prepared and motivated—Sign up here!
We are now on the cusp of being ready to launch our complete suite of webinars for the run up to the 2025 GCSE and A Level exams, too. We will let you know as soon as sign-up for these go live!
KS3: Lessons from Literary Greats 📚
This week, many of our KS3 tutees explored what makes authors and poets like Armitage and Shakespeare masters of their craft. From Armitage’s raw and contemporary reflections on love to Shakespeare’s dramatic and metaphorical take, our tutees uncovered the different ways language can evoke emotion and provoke thought.
Techniques like powerful verbs and personification brought these texts to life. For instance, Shakespeare’s “My love is as boundless as the sea” contrasts beautifully with Armitage’s grounded, often ironic descriptions. Understanding how such techniques affect a reader is key to crafting strong analytical responses—and we’re thrilled to see our tutees mastering this skill!
KS4: Mock Reflections & What Next? 📝
It’s was a quieter week for our KS4 tutees as many of them took the time to reflect as their mock exams drew to a close. Now, the waiting begins—but don’t panic! Here are our two simple tips for managing that wait (and the eventual feedback that will follow):
Stay Calm, Stay Focused
Waiting for results can feel stressful, but remember: mocks are for learning. They’re a stepping stone to your summer success, not the final destination.
Plan for Precision
Once you receive your results, focus on the topics where you struggled, not the ones you already know. Use a simple system:
- Highlight strengths in green.
- Highlight areas for improvement in red.
- Make a list of “red” topics and tackle them one by one.
KS5: Personal Statements & Paper 1 Mastery 🎓
Our KS5 tutees are making great strides with their university personal statements, highlighting their strengths, achievements, and ambitions. Need help refining yours? Ask your tutor for support during your sessions or book a dedicated slot to perfect it.
Meanwhile, our focus on English Language Paper 1 has brought some exciting challenges whilst looking at unseen texts. These sessions are sharpening our tutee's analytical skills and building confidence as we head into the new year.
Bradley & Jemma’s Festive Revision Tips Contd. 🎄
Bradley’s Tip: Teach It to a Pillow (or a Pet!)
One of the best ways to learn something you dislike is to teach it to someone—or something—else. Research shows that teaching a concept forces your brain to process it more deeply. If you can’t find a willing volunteer, grab a stuffed animal, a pet, or even a pillow and explain the topic step-by-step. For example, talk through how to compare two poems or analyse an unseen text. You’ll be surprised how much clarity you gain by pretending to teach!
Jemma’s Tip: The “Pick & Stick” Approach
Create a revision jar with slips of paper listing topics you’ve been avoiding. Each day, pick one slip and commit to revising that topic for 20 minutes—no excuses! The randomness takes the pressure off deciding where to start, and sticking to it ensures you’re tackling areas that need work. Add a motivating twist: once you finish revising the topic, reward yourself with a treat, like a favourite snack or TV episode.
One-to-One Slots Are Filling Up Fast! 🕒
Our December and January time slots are booking up quickly as tutees get ready to hit the ground running in 2025. Exams are only five months away—secure your spot now to stay ahead! Book here!
Funny Flashback: Jemma’s Birthday Lesson 🎂
Years ago, on one of her birthdays, Jemma was treated to a class rendition of Happy Birthday by her Year 10 students—complete with rewritten lyrics about Shakespeare and metaphors! The standout line? “She teaches with wisdom, as Juliet swooned, and quotes from Macbeth that are over the moon.” Jemma still insists it was one of her best birthday gifts ever—proof that English lessons and celebrations can mix beautifully!
Mental Health: Tackling December Stress 🌟
The last two weeks before the holidays can feel overwhelming. Try this strategy:
“Prioritise & Pause.”
- Each morning, write down your top three tasks for the day.
- Work on one task at a time, taking short breaks in between to recharge.
This keeps stress at bay and helps you to end each day with a sense of accomplishment.
Life Outside the Books 🎅
This week the BA tutors enjoyed a magical visit to Santa’s Grotto at Old Macdonald’s Farm. The youngest member of the clan, Arlo loved being asked about his wish list (which, amusingly, included “a giraffe and cake”). We’re pretty sure Santa approved!
Monday was Bradley’s birthday, celebrated with some webinar preparation in a stylish business lounge in Loughton. This weekend, we’re heading to Cambridge to celebrate Jemma’s birthday. The town’s rich literary history—including alumni like John Milton and Sylvia Plath—make it the perfect spot for family days out.
Thank you for continuing to be a part of the BA English Tuition family.
Stay Focused and Stay BA...Tuition 🎉
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