With the second round of mock exams wrapped up for many of our KS4 students, we want to take a moment to say well done!
Mock exams may not feel like the most enjoyable experience, but they are absolutely vital in preparing for the real thing. The practice of sitting in exam conditions, managing time effectively, and applying knowledge under pressure is invaluable. Plus, the detailed feedback from these exams will allow you to pinpoint areas for improvement and refine their skills ahead of the summer.
For those of you not in exam year groups, mid-term assessments have been the focus, and we’re seeing some great work from our Key Stage 3 and Year 10 students. Whatever stage you’re at, we are here to push you, support you, and ensure you reach your full potential.
Key Stage 3: Mastering Subject Terminology
One of the key areas we’ve been focusing on with many of our KS3 students is understanding and applying subject terminology effectively—something that will pay dividends when they transition to GCSE.
Using technical terms such as juxtaposition, semantic field, caesura, and cyclical structure isn’t just about showing off fancy words—it’s about demonstrating that you understand how writers craft meaning. The AQA mark schemes in particular explicitly reward students who can accurately name a technique and, crucially, explain its effect.
Top Tip
When writing about a text, highlight the subject terminology you are using by integrating it naturally into your analysis. Instead of writing, “The poet uses a metaphor,” say, “Heaney’s metaphor of ‘a huge nothing’ emphasises the paradoxical power of nature.” This shows that you understand both the technique and its impact.
Key Stage 4: Building Exam-Style Writing Skills
Year 10 – Linking the Context in Jekyll & Hyde
We’ve been working on exam-style responses this week, focusing particularly on the ‘L’ in PETAL—Linking to Context. In GCSE English Literature, Assessment Objective 3 rewards students for making links between texts and their historical, social, and cultural contexts.
Take Jekyll & Hyde, for example. A strong response doesn’t just mention Victorian anxieties about science, morality, and duality—it explores how Stevenson uses his characters to reflect these fears.
Top Tip
When writing a PETAL paragraph, make sure the Link to Context is specific and insightful. For example:
"Stevenson presents Dr. Jekyll as a man who outwardly conforms to Victorian respectability but secretly indulges his darker desires. This reflects the rigid social expectations of the era, where men were expected to suppress any ‘unacceptable’ urges. The fear of being exposed led to a dual existence—just as Jekyll creates Hyde to separate his two selves.”
Year 11 – Mastering English Language Paper 2, Question 4
With the second set of mocks still in full flow at the start of last week, we delved into AQA English Language Paper 2, Question 4 (One of the trickiest comparative questions on the paper) to support our tutees.
This question asks students to compare how two writers convey their viewpoints and perspectives. A high-scoring answer will:
✅ Compare methods (not just opinions).
✅ Use comparative language (e.g. Similarly, whereas, on the other hand).
✅ Support points with precise quotes.
Top Tip
Use a structured approach, such as this:
"Both writers convey their anger towards social inequality, but while Writer A uses emotive language to make the reader sympathise ‘helpless children left starving,’ Writer B takes a more factual approach, using statistics to highlight the extent of the problem, ‘30% of families rely on food banks.' This contrast in method shows that while both are critical, Writer A appeals to emotions, whereas Writer B uses logic to persuade their audience."
Key Stage 5: AQA A Level English Language Paper 1, Question 4
AQA A-Level English Language Paper 1, Question 4 assesses your ability to critically evaluate a text and discuss how language is used to create meaning and representation. It is marked against Assessment Objectives AO1, AO3, and AO4:
- AO1 – Applying linguistic methods and terminology accurately.
- AO3 – Understanding the context of the text and how it shapes meaning.
- AO4 – Comparing how different texts represent their subjects.
This question requires you to compare two texts—usually one older and one modern—considering how each presents its subject, audience, and purpose.
Top Tip
A strong answer should follow this framework:
✅ Introduction – Briefly introduce both texts, their context, and their purpose.
✅ Paragraph 1 – Focus on one key representation (e.g. formality, authority, emotion) in both texts, using linguistic terminology.
✅ Paragraph 2 – Identify another significant feature (e.g. use of mode, audience engagement) and compare how each text achieves it.
✅ Paragraph 3 – Discuss historical/social context and how it influences language use.
✅ Conclusion – Sum up key differences and similarities, linking back to the question.
Exam Night & Morning Tips
💤 The Night Before:
- Avoid cramming! Research from Harvard University shows that sleep strengthens memory recall—so a proper night’s rest is far better than last-minute revision.
- Do a ‘brain dump’ of key ideas. Writing things down before bed can help process and retain information.
🌅 The Morning of the Exam:
- Eat a good breakfast (complex carbs & protein for sustained energy).
- Avoid excessive caffeine (jitters + anxiety = not ideal! Keep the Red Bull, Monster and Relentless well out of sight).
- Do a quick 10-minute review to boost confidence.
Mental Health: Managing Exam Stress
It’s normal to feel nervous before an exam, but panic is not productive!
Try box breathing—a technique used by athletes and military personnel:
🟦 Inhale for 4 seconds
🟦 Hold for 4 seconds
🟦 Exhale for 4 seconds
🟦 Hold for 4 seconds
Repeat four times to reduce stress levels instantly!
Tip of the Week: Memory-Boosting Foods
🍫 Dark Chocolate – Boosts brain function!
🐟 Oily Fish – High in omega-3, which strengthens memory.
🍓 Berries – Packed with antioxidants that improve recall.
🥜 Nuts – A great source of Vitamin E, linked to cognitive health.
Spring (Easter) Holiday Tuition – Coming Soon!
We’re in the process of finalising our Easter holiday tuition offer to provide students with the best pre-exam boost possible! We’ll release the details soon—watch this space!
Life Outside the Books
A fun comedy night (thanks to a tutee’s generous Christmas gift) was a highlight this week—laughter really is the best medicine! Meanwhile, Jemma is counting down the days until finally going to see the new Bridget Jones film (Bradley and Arlo will conveniently be watching some football instead). As always, we’re grateful for the fantastic rhythm and routine we have with our tutees and enjoy working with you all.
Have a brilliant week and remember to stay focused and to stay BA....Tuition!
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