The English GCSE is divided into two separate exams: English language and English literature. There will not be distinct levels of difficulty (tiering); all students will take the same exams for language and literature. In the English language exams, there are two sections: reading and writing. These sections will include texts from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. Students need to read and respond to unfamiliar texts with confidence, showcasing their skills in figuring things out and making educated guesses. In exam speak, this is deduction and inference. They should also be able to explain their thoughts and ideas accurately within a limited time. 
We are changing the way students prepare for their English Language GCSE exams and offering online tutoring that is tailored to your child's needs. All our activities, exam-style questions, and practice papers are created to match the exam board's requirements, and they are designed to help students progress at their own pace. We focus on teaching them the necessary skills and then assessing their knowledge. This way, they will feel confident when the exam day arrives, and you can easily track their progress. 
 
Think of it as a revision resource that aligns perfectly with your child's school curriculum, helping them to make significant improvements in their understanding of the topics. 

How to Succeed in Your GCSEs with Us 

We understand how challenging GCSEs can be in the 9-1 grading system, and we are here to make it simpler for you. The early years, which often begin in Year 9, are all about building understanding and confidence in each topic in Language and Literature. As you progress to Year 11, we shift our focus to exam techniques, revision, and practice. 
 
To support you and your child effectively, we have aligned all our resources with popular exam boards like AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR, and Eduquas. We also emphasise gradual learning, moving from basics to more complex exam-style questions and practice papers. We are here to guide you every step of the way to GCSE success! 
"English can sometimes feel more open to interpretation compared to math. Students might worry that they will not have a single 'correct' answer. While students focus on preparing for their new English GCSEs at school, what can parents do to support them? You have come to the right place! With 25 years of experience in exam preparation, we are here to help. 
 
We can guide you on what texts to read, questions to discuss, and writing to practice. Just like anything else, practice makes perfect. The more your child gets exposed to various texts, the better prepared they will be for their exams. 

Reading 

In both GCSEs, Language and Literature, students are expected to read more challenging texts. Reading together at home and discussing the texts can provide significant support. Try to understand new words, make educated guesses about the meaning, and think critically about the content. Examiners will be watching for students who can grasp the emotional impact of figurative language or think about the writer's intentions. 
 
It is about tackling texts that may seem tough at first and developing the skills, not only to comprehend them but to enjoy them as well. 

Writing 

In the writing sections of the exams, students may be asked to write distinct types of pieces based on the texts they have studied. For example, one paper might require a descriptive piece, while the other could ask for a presentation of a viewpoint. In the two English literature exams, the focus may be on Shakespeare and a 19th-century novel. There may also be questions about unseen poetry and a modern text. To do well, students need to understand the context of these texts and use their skills in deduction and inference to write about what they have read. 
 
When it comes to writing, creating tasks that involve different writing styles or connecting them to the texts you are reading can help your child prepare for the exam. Working together on their ideas and editing their writing can be helpful. Remind them about spelling, grammar, and punctuation so they can spot their own mistakes and learn to correct them. This will boost their confidence and make them more skilled at putting their thoughts on paper swiftly and effectively. We're here to offer you plenty of ideas and support. 

Exams 

For the final grades in each subject, exams are the only way to be assessed; there will not be any coursework. In total, there are two exams for literature and two for language. Additionally, students will need to do a spoken language assessment (previously known as speaking and listening). While the spoken language assessment will not affect their final grades, they will receive a pass, merit, distinction, or fail grade for it. If they do not complete it, their English language GCSE will be considered invalid. It is important to remember that spelling, punctuation, and grammar will account for 20% of each of the English GCSEs. 

Grading 

Since 2017, GCSE grades in English are given on a scale from 9 to 1, replacing the old A* to G system. Grade 9 is for the top achievers, and a good pass is 5 or higher. However, whether a grade 4 is sufficient may depend on the specific college course or apprenticeship your child is applying for. In some cases, a grade 4 might be the requirement to gain entry. 
Tagged as: English GCSE
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