Stop Worrying and start strategising

Specialising in AQA GCSE English Language.

What students and parents don't know about GCSE English

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What you should know is that the GCSE English language exam must cover many different skills and it becomes quite artificial. Even with my First class degree in English, Master's Degree in Educational Management, thirty years of teaching experience and voracious reading habits, I would not have been able to achieve 100% on this exam when the sample papers first came out.

This goes some way to explaining why 30% of students every year fail to gain a grade 4.

I have studied mark schemes and assessment criteria extensively, breaking down each section of the papers to apply a formula to each question. Yes... like in science or maths! So many students believe you can't study for English language but that is far from the case.

All my advice is based on what the examiner wants by digging deep into the mark scheme.

Too many students take comfort in writing ‘loads’ in an English exam but fail because they have not addressed the assessment criteria. It still surprises me that students will go into an exam and NOT know where the marks are coming from. 

Some of my strategies

Retrieval Practice

Using mnemonic devices. When you have to think about what you have learned five times it is more likely to stay in your memory. 

Elaboration

Encouraging students to draw pictures and use boxed activities to help find ways to make sense of the information and to find different ways to make it memorable. 

Clear Directions

At the beginning and throughout, both visually and verbally. 

Having Fun!

There will be activities and challenges in every session to keep the energy and motivation moving along. 

Tool and Techniques

To help students reach their own individual potential. They may have different starting points and different needs but these tools are appropriate for everyone, irrespective of ability levels. 

Consolidation

Building working memory by continually revising skills and establishing routines.

Visual Clues

Examples and model answers. The best way to understand how to answer in an exam is to read exam answers. I provide commentary as to why the marks are awarded in a clear and comprehensive way. 

Definite Learning Outcomes

For each session to ensure there is a weekly “payoff”, helping maintain motivation and a sense of achievement. 

A Checklist

For students to keep track of the skills they have covered. 
Overview

What skills will students learn?

To maximise marks

Maximise marks in the exam by understanding and implementing four key assessment criteria. 

To deal with anxiety

Deal with anxiety and ‘writer’s block’, the perfectionist mind and creative paralysis.

To plan and shape

Plan and shape writing using a blueprint designed to gain maximum marks.

To manage time

Manage time, one of the most significant areas in need of addressing among students. Focused action on how to prioritise questions under timed exam conditions.

To build a toolbox

Build a toolbox of language skills and devices.

Flexible payment options

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Online Learning

A complete course to excel at GCSE English Language

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We feature a series of special workshops led by our instructors and guest artists.

Literature Workshops 

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Who am I

Empathy and emotional intelligence have been the key values in my teaching roles. It’s been 40 years but I remember very clearly how I felt as a teenager and, like lots of teenagers, we aren’t always lucky enough to have mentors who can shape, guide and support us through the challenging exam period. I am here now to be that mentor.   

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Get in touch

  • 1 Lyndhurst Close, Harpenden, Herts, AL5 5RL
  • janine@examwhisperer.co.uk
  • +44 7976 811109
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