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English

As you will be aware, your child will soon sit their next series of GCSE mock examinations. In order to ensure students attain the best possible results, I have provided some information about how best to access revision for both GCSE English language and GCSE English literature, and how to support students’ revision on the run up to these mock examinations.

As there is no coursework component to either English subject, performance in full exams is a critical skill to ensure students achieve their personal best. That is one of the key reasons we are holding the forthcoming exam series. As such, students should already have begun their revision for these crucial examinations. That being said, I am acutely aware that students often struggle to understand how to revise purposefully for English exams. This was highlighted by students as an area they felt they needed further support with, following the previous set of mock exams. To support students with this, the English faculty have created a guide to what will be on the forthcoming mock exams in both subjects, and how best to revise for each of them. Students will receive a copy of this guide in lesson time this half term. I have attached a copy for your reference so you can support students with using their revision time most effectively. Please note, the guide makes reference to student support packs – these are bespoke booklets with information and practice questions for each examined modules which students can access via Sharepoint or Microsoft Teams. I have attached copies to this email for your convenience.

If you have any further queries about the exams in English language and literature, or how best to support your child in preparing for them, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with me.

Yours sincerely

Dan Quirk
Director of Learning - English

 

English Literature

The following revision guides are recommended for GCSE English Literature 2023 entry.

York Study Guides:
 

Image result for york notes macbeth

York Notes: Macbeth

ISBN-10: 1447982207

 

York Notes: Blood Brothers

ISBN-10: 1292138068

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York Notes: A Christmas Carol

ISBN-10: 1447982169

 

You may also wish to purchase your own copies of each of the literature texts:

Image result for macbeth oxford schools

‘Macbeth’

ISBN 978-0-19-832400-3

'Blood Brothers’

ISBN  978-0413767707

Image result for a christmas carol puffin classic

‘A Christmas Carol’

ISBN 978-0-141-32452-4

The following websites also provide further study material: 

SparkNotes: Today's Most Popular Study Guides

GCSE - BBC Bitesize

Homework Help & Study Guides For Students | Shmoop

universalteacher.org.uk

Everything in English Literature | Genius