The holiday season is now upon us, and this is our final BA Brain Boost Blog of 2024! As we all prepare for some much-deserved rest and family time, we’re reflecting on another incredible week with our tutees and looking forward to what 2025 has in store. Whether you’re cosying up with a good book, enjoying some fudge, or gearing up for next term, there’s something in this blog for everyone. Let’s dive in!
A Sweet Surprise! 🍬
Kicking off with the fudge reference, a huge thanks to our friends at Chunk Fudge who provided our tutees with some delicious fudge samples this week. It was a hit, and there are bound to be more fudge treats and deals in 2025!
Poetry in Motion: Webinar Success 📚
Our Poetry in Motion webinar was a hit! Tutees left armed with everything they need to go and tackle their poetry revision for English Literature Paper 2. From understanding how to analyse key themes and techniques to now having a comparative essay structure to reference, the session was packed with actionable advice.
Missed it? No problem! A recording of this webinar is now available for just £5.50. Grab your copy here!
Looking ahead, sign-ups are open for our 2025 GCSE Mastery Webinar Series. These monthly sessions are your ultimate guide to every aspect of the GCSE English course, providing:
- Core revision tips and exam strategies.
- Specific resources tailored to each session.
- Access to session recordings for ongoing revision.
Webinars are held on Sunday towards the end of each month, with additional dates during school holidays to give you an extra boost.
KS3: The Power of Structure 📝
This week, our KS3 tutees explored how structure shapes meaning in both poetry and prose. Writers don’t just tell a story; they build one through deliberate structural choices. For example, in a poem, enjambment can mimic the flow of emotions or create a sense of urgency. Similarly, in prose, a non-linear narrative might reflect a character’s fragmented memories.
Take Of Mice and Men: the opening and closing scenes both occur by the river, creating a circular structure that emphasises the inevitability of George and Lennie’s tragic fate. Our tutees are learning to see structure as more than just form—it’s the skeleton that supports meaning and effect.
KS4: Cracking Jekyll and Hyde 🔍
This week, Jekyll and Hyde has been the focus, and it’s sparked some fantastic discussions. One tutee’s analysis of the novella’s settings stood out:
“Stevenson’s use of setting—like the contrast between the respectable streets of London and the sinister back alleys—mirrors Jekyll’s internal duality. The ‘foggy streets’ obscure clarity, reflecting the blurred lines between good and evil within him. Hyde’s home in Soho, described as a ‘dingy street with a gin palace,’ represents moral corruption and the darker side of human nature.”
By exploring how Stevenson’s descriptions reflect deeper themes, our tutees are developing sophisticated insights that will serve them well in their exams.
KS5: Child Language Development 🧸
In supporting our A Level students, we’ve delved into Child Language Development—a fascinating topic! One area of focus was overgeneralisation in language acquisition. For instance, when children say “goed” instead of “went,” it shows they’re-applying learned grammar rules even when exceptions exist. This process highlights how children experiment with language, testing and refining their understanding.
By analysing transcripts of children’s speech, our tutees are becoming adept at identifying stages of development and linking them to theories like those of Noam Chomsky and Jean Piaget. It’s challenging but rewarding work!
Bradley & Jemma’s Tips: Easing into January 💡
Bradley’s Tip: Use momentum to your advantage.
Cognitive science suggests that transitioning back to work after a break is easier if you start with small, achievable tasks. Begin with 20 minutes of light revision or reading, then build up to more intensive work. Small wins create motivation!
Jemma’s Tip: Plan your reset.
The best way to avoid the January blues is to schedule time for rest and exercise alongside your study. Short bursts of activity, like a brisk walk or yoga, can help reset your focus and energy levels.
Funny Flashback: Jemma’s January Motivation 🌟
Back in Year 11, Jemma decided she’d definitely start her January revision with a bang. Her plan? A perfectly colour-coded timetable. The reality? She spent more time perfecting her highlighter system than actually studying. But by mid-January, she found her rhythm, realising that sometimes progress is messy before it’s productive!
Lesson learned? Don’t stress about perfection—just start somewhere, and the momentum will follow.
Life Outside the Books 🌍
It’s been a quieter week at BA English Tuition HQ, perfect for cosy nights in. Arlo has recently mastered the words “no” and “no more,” which he’s been using with impressive determination. Whether it’s “No more” to his dinner selections or a defiant “No!” when asked to stop pulling draws out, he’s embracing his new vocabulary just in time for the holiday season. Let’s just say Santa might be hearing an interesting twist on wish lists this year!
Meanwhile, Bradley’s been hilariously stalling on watching the new Wicked film, but he’s finally agreed to watch Love Actually over the break. And like many of you, we’re eagerly anticipating watching the last ever Gavin & Stacey on Christmas Day.
Wishing You a Wonderful Winter Break! ❄️
Thank you all for being part of the BA English Tuition family this year. Enjoy your rest, recharge, and we’ll see you in 2025 for another year of learning, growth, and success!
Our next blog post will be on Friday 3rd January 2025 and we can’t wait!
Stay focused and stay BA…Tuition!
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