This week has been another exciting one at BA English Tuition as we officially started our pilot of GCSE Group Sessions! It’s been amazing to see students of similar ability levels share ideas, learn from one another, and deepen their understanding of English texts. While group sessions aren’t for everyone, they’re a fantastic way to spark collaboration and confidence.
If you’d like to give group sessions a try, reach out! And don’t forget our February Half Term Group Sessions are filling fast. Although Monday’s session is sold out, there are still a few spaces left for:
Click on the dates above to secure your spot now.
Webinar Alert: Mastering An Inspector Calls 🕵️
Our first Mastery Webinar of the year is just around the corner! On Sunday 26th January 2025 (6:30–7:30pm), we’ll delve into An Inspector Calls. This session will:
- Pull together key themes, characters, and context.
- Show you how to turn your current classroom learning into exam-ready responses.
- Offer exclusive video access, as well as having the option to submit written responses to us for feedback.
This webinar is not to be missed, so book HERE now.
Key Stage Tips 🎓
Key Stage 3
Writing to Persuade 🗣️
Be a credible voice. Persuasive writing requires your audience to trust you. Use reliable evidence, avoid over-exaggeration, and maintain a confident yet respectful tone. For example, when protesting an issue, facts and statistics outweigh emotional outbursts. Show your audience why your perspective matters.
Key Stage 4
Jekyll & Hyde (Chapters 3 & 4) 📖
Look for duality in every detail. In Chapter 3, Dr. Jekyll’s composed demeanour contrasts sharply with Hyde’s chaos, mirroring the theme of internal struggle. By Chapter 4, Hyde’s brutality highlights the consequences of Jekyll’s loss of control. Use this contrast to explore the novella’s deeper themes of morality and repression.
Poetry Cluster: Comparing London and The Emigree 📝
Focus on the tension between place and emotion. Blake’s London critiques urban oppression, while Rumens’ The Emigree celebrates the emotional connection to a homeland. Highlight how structural choices—such as Blake’s rigid quatrains versus Rumens’ fluid stanzas—reflect these differing tones.
Key Stage 5
AQA A Level Language Coursework 🧸
Before submitting your coursework, do a final check for:
- Explicit links to theories: Ensure every claim is backed by Vygotsky, Piaget, or other relevant theorists.
- Data clarity: Are your examples clearly labelled and explained?
- Word count compliance: Make sure you meet the exact criteria to avoid penalties.
Coming Soon: The BA Tuition Learning Space 🏠
Our new Learning Office Space is nearly ready (pictures below), and we couldn’t be more excited! This dedicated space is designed for group tuition sessions and is set to debut during the February Half Term.
If you know a tutor who may be interested in renting this space for their own tuition sessions, please ask them to get in touch at ba-english-tuition@gmx.co.uk. Collaboration across subjects can only strengthen our learning community!
The Impact of Tuition 💡
The latest published research shows that targeted, one-to-one or small group tuition can accelerate progress by up to five months in a single year (Education Endowment Foundation). Personalised learning not only closes knowledge gaps but builds confidence and resilience. The key? Consistency and a tailored approach to each student’s needs.
Funny Flashback: Jemma’s Group Work Woes 😂
Jemma wasn’t exactly a fan of group work in her early secondary school days. In Year 7, her group was tasked with creating a poster about The Solar System for a science project. Jemma’s role? Drawing Saturn and its rings. Let’s just say her attempt looked more like a squashed doughnut, earning giggles from her group. She felt embarrassed at first, but by the time the project came together, she realised how each member’s unique skills contributed to the end result.
By Year 11, Jemma had embraced group work as a great way to pool ideas and refine her understanding of tricky topics. Whether it was brainstorming a poetry analysis or cracking complex science equations, she saw how collaboration made her stronger.
Lesson? Teamwork might feel awkward at first, but the results can be out of this world!
Life Outside the Books 🏡
It’s been a challenging but productive week here at BA English Tuition as we juggle sessions, resource planning, and the final touches on our home learning space. The highlight of our week? Watching Arlo’s Dear Zoo book obsession reach new heights. He now insists on “sending the animals back!” with a dramatic wave for each page, complete with his best lion roar and snake hiss. We’ve lost count of how many times we’ve read it this week, but his enthusiasm is infectious. It also highlights the real importance that reading has on learning!
The Traitors finale is on the agenda tonight, and tomorrow we’re diving into another round of tuition sessions. It’s a busy time, but we wouldn’t have it any other way!
Here’s to another week of progress, learning, and exciting opportunities.
Stay focused and stay BA...Tuition!
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