May Half Term Sorcher

May Half-Term Scorcher

So, what has been happening in the world of Achieve English recently? Quite a lot, as it turns out!

As I sit here reflecting on my half term, my mind is very much with my Year 11 students, who are in the thick of their GCSE exams right now. Preparing them for this milestone has been an absolute pleasure — though I won't pretend the last-minute requests haven't kept me on my toes! I say to each and every one of them: you have worked brilliantly throughout our sessions, and that hard work will pay off. The evening-before-the-exam sessions they ask for aren't really about cramming — they're about reassurance. A chance to revisit papers we've already worked through together, to recall good exam technique, and to feel that quiet confidence that comes from knowing you've put the effort in. I've been truly amazed by their resilience as they press on through these long, relentless weeks of exam after exam after exam.

A few general revision tips for Year 11s:

• Rest is revision too. A tired brain retains very little. Aim for at least eight hours of sleep, especially the night before an exam — it will serve you far better than a midnight cramming session.
• Active recall beats passive reading. Rather than re-reading your notes, test yourself. Use flashcards, past paper questions, or simply close the book and write down everything you can remember.
• Break it down. Revision feels far less daunting when it's broken into focused 25–30 minute blocks with short breaks in between (the Pomodoro technique is brilliant for this).
• Prioritise weak spots. It's tempting to revise the topics you already know well. Be brave — spend extra time on the areas where you feel less confident.
• Read the question carefully. In the exam room, take a breath and read each question twice before you begin. Marks are often lost not through lack of knowledge, but through misreading what's being asked.
• Trust your preparation. You've done the work. Walk in knowing that.

As for me, I'm bracing myself for the upcoming GCSE marking marathon — and genuinely looking forward to it! I see it as a wonderful opportunity for continuing professional development, and I know that the insight it gives me makes me a far better teacher and tutor for my students.

June is also set to be a busy one, as I continue with my Year 8, 9, and 10 tutees alongside teaching.  Eeek — bring it on!

If you have a teenager sitting GCSEs this year, I wish them every success, and perhaps a little bit of 🍀 luck too!