The countdown to the winter break is on, but here at BA English Tuition, we’re keeping the momentum strong! With more top tips, coursework deadlines, and some exciting new webinar offerings, there’s a lot to talk about this week. Let’s dive in and make sure you’re heading into the festive season with clarity.
Big News: GCSE Webinar Series Launched! 📅
We’re thrilled to announce that sign-up for our 2025 GCSE Webinar Series is now open.
These webinars aren’t just another revision session—they’re a game-changer when it comes to exam preparation.
Tailored specifically to AQA English Literature and Language, each webinar is designed to help you:
- Focus on exam skills: We break down what the examiners are looking for, showing you exactly how to maximise your marks with clear and effective techniques.
- Pull your revision together: They bring everything together, highlighting what really matters and leaving behind the fluff, so you can revise smart, not hard.
- Understand the mark scheme: We show you how to write responses that align with AQA’s criteria, demystifying what’s needed for top-band answers. You’ll walk away with a step-by-step approach that ensures your responses hit the mark.
- Practice: Each session is packed with examples, practice questions, and strategies that mimic the real exam. You’ll know exactly how to tackle the paper when the big day arrives.
Plus, we include exclusive resources emailed to you after the session—model answers, key quotes, paragraph structures, and more—so you can keep revisiting and refining your skills long after the webinar is over.
These webinars are your opportunity to condense months of learning into one power-packed hour of focused, practical preparation. Whether it’s Macbeth, An Inspector Calls, or English Language Paper 2, we’ll help you feel confident, organised, and exam-ready.
Your revision deserves this level of precision.
Last Call: Poetry in Motion Webinar ✍️
Our final webinar of 2024, Poetry in Motion, is almost here! This session will help you master the GCSE English Literature Paper 2 Poetry section, focusing on exactly what you need to know—and what you don’t! We’ll also provide a ready-to-use structure for comparing poems effectively. At just £12.99, it’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss.
Booking closes at 11.30pm on Sunday 15th December, so act now! Sign up here!
KS3: Imagery Without the Clichés 🎨
This week, our KS3 tutees have been tackling the often-overused phrase, “this paints a picture for the reader.” Instead, we’ve been exploring more precise ways to analyse imagery. For example:
- Before: "The description of the storm paints a picture of chaos."
- After: "The storm’s description, with its ‘thunder cracking like a whip,’ conveys an uncontrollable force that mirrors the protagonist’s emotional turmoil."
By linking imagery to the key message of the text, our tutees are learning to write responses that are thoughtful and impactful—great work, KS3!
KS4: Diving Deeper into Literature 📖
Our KS4 tutees are now focusing on An Inspector Calls and Jekyll and Hyde, two texts brimming with analytical potential.
In An Inspector Calls, we’ve been exploring Sheila Birling’s transformation. One tutee noted how Sheila’s evolving character reflects Priestley’s call for social responsibility. Her recognition of the Inspector’s role, “You’re just beginning to pretend all over again,” exposes the hypocrisy of the older generation and solidifies Priestley’s critique of societal inequality.
Meanwhile, in Jekyll and Hyde, our Year 10s have been examining the theme of duality. By analysing descriptions such as “Hyde’s hand was lean, corded, knuckly,” one tutee brilliantly connected the imagery of physical distortion to the broader concept of moral decay—a fantastic insight!
KS5: Coursework Crunch & Group Sessions 📝
Our KS5 tutees are finalising their coursework submissions while continuing to dive into English Language Paper 1 (unseen texts). Analysing a variety of styles and contexts is sharpening their skills in preparation for exams.
Looking for additional support? We’re now offering group A Level English sessions at discounted rates—perfect for collaborative learning. Speak to your tutor to find out more!
Bradley & Jemma’s Tips: Practice Makes Progress 🎯
Bradley’s Tip: Start with small wins.
Cognitive science tells us that success builds confidence. When practicing a tricky skill—like writing analytical paragraphs—focus on small, achievable goals. Write just one paragraph, then review it. Build gradually, and soon, a full essay won’t feel so daunting.
Jemma’s Tip: Reframe practice as progress.
The first time you try something new, it’s not about being perfect—it’s about improving. Think about learning to ride a bike: wobbly at first, but steady with time. Use this mindset for English—whether it’s revising unfamiliar topics or trying new techniques, every effort is a step forward.
Funny Flashback: Bradley’s Winter Countdown ❄️
Back in his early teaching days, Bradley loved the final days before the winter break—especially the chance to play end-of-the-lesson festive quiz games with students. But one year, his overconfidence got the better of him when a group of Year 9s beat him in a Shakespeare-themed quiz he wrote himself! Lesson learned? Even teachers need to practice.
Life Outside the Books 🌍
Last weekend, the BA Tuition team visited the beautiful city of Cambridge, soaking in its historic architecture and literary legacy. While punting wasn’t on the cards—it was freezing —Arlo was determined to take on the outdoor ice rink. We weren’t quite as keen, but his enthusiasm did raise a smile. Maybe next year!
Now, it’s back to a busy period of sessions almost every day up until the big day itself. This is always our favourite time of year though, seeing students grow in confidence as the holidays approach.
Mental Health: Managing the Countdown to Exams 💡
Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of exams? Try this:
“Chunk, Cheer, and Celebrate.”
- Chunk: Break revision into small, manageable tasks.
- Cheer: Recognise when you complete a task—self-praise goes a long way.
- Celebrate: Build in rewards for milestones, like completing a practice paper.
This approach keeps motivation high and stress low.
Time’s Running Out for Our Christmas Deal! 🎁
The clock is ticking! Book two sessions between Saturday 21st December and Wednesday 2nd January and receive a FREE session to use by the end of January. Perfect for revising in the morning before enjoying festive fun later in the day. Book here!
That’s it for this week, Brain Boosters! Keep practicing, enjoy the journey and stay BA...Tuition!
See you next week! 🎉
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