2025 Wrapped 🎁

And that's a wrap! I've just completed my final tutoring session of 2025 here at Achieve English. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all my students, parents, and followers for your incredible support throughout the year. Wishing everyone a well-deserved break filled with rest, relaxation, and joy this Christmas season.

I've thoroughly enjoyed working with every one of my wonderful tutees this academic year, from Year 9s through to Year 11s. Each student brings something unique to our sessions, yet they all share a common thread: they're hardworking, dedicated, and an absolute pleasure to teach. Each one lifts my spirits in their own way, and knowing I'm making a genuine difference to their learning journey fills me with immense satisfaction.

"This student is very reserved and shy..." is something I often hear from parents. I'm delighted to report that students who arrive with this description typically end up smiling, laughing, and engaging openly—often within that very first session! Many even email me between lessons, feeling comfortable asking questions about upcoming assessments and tasks. This is precisely why I treasure the tutoring aspect of my role so much (alongside my online teaching). The relationships and rapport I build with my students are truly magical.

A word for Year 11 parents: If your child is in Year 11, you might be wondering whether they should work throughout the break or switch off completely. I recommend a balanced approach. They absolutely need rest—this autumn term is the longest and most demanding of the academic year, with those early dark days making it particularly gruelling. However, maintaining some engagement with English Language will keep their skills sharp without overwhelming them.

Here are some manageable revision activities for the break:

Light but Effective Revision:

• Read quality journalism regularly (broadsheet newspapers or reputable online sources) to absorb varied writing styles
• Practice one Question 5 creative or persuasive writing piece per week
• Revisit any exam questions they found challenging and reattempt them
• Watch the news and practice summarising key stories—excellent for developing synthesis skills
• Review language techniques and structural devices using flashcards or apps like Quizlet
• Read fiction for pleasure—it enriches vocabulary and understanding of narrative techniques

The key is little and often, rather than marathon cramming sessions. Twenty to thirty minutes, three or four times a week, will keep them engaged without sacrificing their much-needed downtime.

Wishing you all a joyful end to 2025 and hoping you find precious time for rest and connection with your loved ones.