Our GCSE English Literature Tutors
The Hampstead & Frognal English tutors share a love of literature and are keen to spark similar enthusiasm in their students. Whether it involves delving into a Shakespeare play or grappling with a Victorian novel, our English tutors showcase the joys of reading and writing. Every session is tailor-made to develop the skills of individual pupils and dull moments are nowhere to be found.
All of our GCSE English Literature tutors are highly qualified, subject-area specialists. They range from experienced teachers to first class Oxbridge graduates, and each one is committed to providing world class tuition. As well as displaying academic excellence, our tutors also have a passion for education. They strive to motivate and inspire their students, getting the best out of every child.
We have a rigorous recruitment process which involves an application form, a face-to-face interview and DBS certification. Only the very best candidates succeed. We also provide continual training and development opportunities for our tutors, ensuring that we maintain the highest possible standards.
Our outstanding professional tutors are relied upon by hundreds of families worldwide and are dedicated to helping children be the best they can be.
How our Tutors Teach English
Our English tutors promote core skills, real understanding and deep knowledge in their students. As well as preparing children for exams, they emphasise the engaging, exciting aspects of reading and writing. We also know that one size never fits all. Every child learns in a different way. Consequently, our tutors craft their lessons to meet the individual needs of their pupils.
At GCSE level, exam technique is important. Students need to know how to manage their time, how to demonstrate their understanding and how to meet assessment criteria. However, our GCSE English Literature tutors also hope to kindle a life-long love of literature. They want to inspire students, and show them that books can be enjoyed far beyond the classroom.
As well as private tuition, Hampstead & Frognal Tutors also offer hugely popular GCSE revision courses. On these courses, we strictly limit pupil numbers to no more than 6 per class. This ensures that pupils receive the attention they deserve from our fantastic teachers. Our GCSE English Literature tutors also provide online tuition via Skype if you do not live in London. We currently have students from across the globe.
Our Results
Hampstead and Frognal Tutors has a fantastic track record when it comes to improving GCSE exam performance.
- 100% of parents agreed that our tutors helped improve GCSE and A-level academic performance.
- 91% of students improved by two grades in English GCSE Literature following completion of our tuition programme.
- Over 90% of our students gained Level 8 and Level 9
- Revision tuition course attendees improve by two whole grades on average
Testimonial
We found Hampstead & Frognal Tutors to be exemplary in every way. My son was struggling to grasp literature and we urgently needed help during his GCSE year. Alice, the GCSE English Tutor assigned to us from the company, was incredibly engaging and reignited my son’s love of reading, poetry and English Literature. Fortunately, after the course of tuition and Alice’s support and guidance my son achieved the Top Grade 9 for English. He was thrilled.
Pippa, LONDON, SW7
Exam Boards we Cover
GCSEs have undergone major changes in the past few years. The content of English Literature exams has altered significantly, as has the way they are graded. At Hampstead & Frognal Tutors, we keep our finger on the pulse. We are always up-to-date with curriculum changes and closely track the latest exam specifications.
Our tutors have experience preparing students for all exam boards, including OCR, AQA and Edexcel. Key aspects of the different syllabi are set out below.
English Literature
- OCR: Students study texts which include one Shakespeare play, a selection of poetry post-1789, one 19th century novel, and one modern prose or drama text from the British Isles. Students are required to critically read and evaluate literature, as well as writing informed, articulate and independent essays. Teachers pick from a range of different texts including Much Ado About Nothing, Never Let me Go and Pride and Prejudice.
- AQA: Students study a Shakespeare play of their choice. In the exam, they must write about an extract from the play, as well as writing about the play as a whole. Students also study a 19th-century novel and a modern prose or drama text, as well as poetry from their chosen anthology cluster. AQA places a great deal of emphasis on close reading and detailed literary analysis. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Lord of the Flies and Animal Farm all feature on the AQA curriculum.
- Edexcel: Students study a Shakespeare play and a post-1914 British play or novel. They also analyse a 19th-century novel and a poetry collection from the Pearson Poetry Anthology. Texts on the Edexcel syllabus include Macbeth, Journey’s End and George Eliot’s Silas Marner.
English Language
- OCR: The course consists of three major components:
- Communicating information and ideas. This focuses on reading and writing non-fiction texts. Students read and compare two non-fiction texts (one 19th century text and one 20th/21st century text). Students also write one piece of non-fiction.
- Exploring effects and impact. This focuses on reading literary prose texts and creative writing.
- Spoken language: This focuses on speaking and listening skills. Students vocally present information and ideas, and respond to others appropriately.
Students sit two 2 hour written papers, each worth 50% of the total GCSE. There is also a Spoken Language non-exam assessment. This has 0% weighting in the GCSE.
- AQA: The course is divided into three major components:
- Explorations in creative reading and writing. This involves reading one fictional text and producing a piece of descriptive writing.
- Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives: This involves reading one non-fiction text and one literary non-fiction text, and presenting a certain viewpoint in writing.
- Spoken Language: This involves conducting a presentation and responding to questions and feedback.
Students sit two 1 hour 45 minute written exams, each worth 50% of the total GCSE. There is a Spoken Language non-exam assessment. This has 0% weighting in the GCSE.
- Edexcel: The course is divided into three components:
- Fiction and Imaginative Writing. Students explore selections from a range of prose fiction. They develop skills to analyse and e 19th-century fiction extracts and hone their imaginative writing skills.
- Non-fictional and Transactional Writing. Candidates look at a range of 20th- and 21st-century non-fiction texts. They also develop their transactional writing skills.
- Spoken Language Endorsement. Students undertake a spoken presentation in a formal setting, and respond to questions and feedback.
Students sit one 1 hour 45 minute written paper worth 40% of the total qualification. They also sit one 2 hour 5 minute written paper worth 60% of the total qualification. There is also a Spoken Language non-exam assessment. This has 0% weighting in the GCSE.
As you may know, the GCSE grading system is now numerical. A*- U has been replaced with a 1 – 9, with 9 being the highest grade you can achieve. 9,8 and 7 correspond to the former top grades A* and A. Our tutors are very familiar with this new system and can answer any questions you or your child may have.
Is tuition right for your child?
Whether your child lacks confidence, feels like they are falling behind, or is striving for top marks, private tuition can be a valuable resource. In a one-to-one situation, students often feel more relaxed. They can go at their own pace, ask questions and discover their strengths and weaknesses. They can engage in lively discussions, challenge themselves and take control of their learning.
Our tutors provide a supportive, calm environment where students can flourish. Whatever the situation, a private tutor could be the key to unlocking your child’s potential.
If you would like to request a tutor or a free assessment please click here.
