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: There are two components-
- Exploring modern and literary heritage texts
The duration of this exam is two hours, it counts towards 50% of the student’s overall GCSE score, and there are 80 marks to be awarded. There are two sections to this component. Section A focuses on one modern prose or drama set text. Example texts include Animal Farm by George Orwell, or An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestly etc. Section B focuses on one 19th century prose set text. These could include texts like, Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, or Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen etc.
- Exploring poetry and Shakespeare
This exam will also last 2 hours, count towards the other 50% of the overall GSCE score, and there are 80 marks to be awarded. There are also two sections to this component. Section A focuses on a themed poetry cluster from the OCR set poetry anthology. Themes of poetry could include love and relationships, conflict etc. Section B focuses on one set Shakespeare play. These could be one of Romeo and Juliet, Much Ado About Nothing, Macbeth etc.
- AQA: There are two papers-
- Paper one assesses Shakespeare plays and a 19th-century novel. With the Shakespeare play, students will answer one question on their play of choice. They will be required to write in detail about an extract from the play and then to write about the play as a whole. For the 19th century novel, students will answer one question on their novel of choice. They will be required to write in detail about an extract from the novel and then to write about the novel as a whole.
This is a written exam, lasting 1 hour 45 minutes, there are a total of 64 marks, and the test counts towards 40% of the overall English Literature GCSE
- Paper two assesses Modern Prose or Drama Texts, The Poetry Anthology and Unseen Poetry. Students will answer one essay question from a choice of two on their studied modern prose or drama text in section A; one comparative question on one named poem printed on the paper and one other poem from their chosen anthology cluster in section B; and one question on one unseen poem and one question comparing this poem with a second unseen poem in section C.
This is a written exam, lasting 2 hours 15 minutes, there are a total of 96 marks and the test counts towards the remaining 60% of the overall English Literature GCSE.
- Edexcel: There are two components
- Component one is Shakespeare and Post-1914 Literature
Section A- Shakespeare
Part a) is focused on the close language analysis of an extract. The extract will be approximately 30 lines in length.
Part b) is focused on how a theme from the extract is explored elsewhere in the play. The focus will be on maintaining a critical style and demonstrating an understanding of the relationship between the text and the context in which it was written.
Section B- Post-1914 Literature
Students answer one essay question from a choice of two on their studied text. Each question will be preceded by a short quotation from the text, to provide a stimulus for the response. Questions will focus on one of more of the following areas: plot, setting(s), character(s) and theme(s) and will require students to explore the question in relation to the context. It is important to note that marks will also be given for accurate use of spelling, punctuation and grammar.
This examination will last 1 hour 45 minutes, there are a total of 80 marks available, and it counts towards 50% of the total GCSE mark.
- Component two is 19th-century Novel and Poetry since 1789
Section A- 19th-century novel: students complete a two-part question. Part 1 is focussed on a close language analysis of an extract of approximately 400 words. Part 2 questions may focus on different aspects of the text, requiring exploration of one of more of the following areas: plot, setting(s), character(s), theme(s).
Section B – Poetry since 1789, Part 1: students answer one question on one named poem from the poetry anthology collection, reproduced in the question paper, and one poem of choice. Students will compare the poems. Questions will focus on the language, form, structure of the poem and the contexts in which the poems were written Part 2: students answer one question comparing two unseen contemporary poems that are linked by a theme. Students are required to compare the poets’ portrayals of the theme through their use of language, form and structure.
This examination lasts 2 hours 15 minutes, there are a total of 80 marks available, and it counts towards the other 50% of the total GCSE mark.
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.
