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Bartholomews Tutorial CollegeBartholomews Tutorial College
    • Home
    • About Us
      • About Barts College
      • Our Staff
      • Student Success Stories
      • Reviews & Testimonials
    • Education
      • Subject-Specific Information
        • Business Studies
        • History A Level
        • Chemistry A Level
        • Economics A Level
        • Politics A Level
        • A and AS Level English Language
        • A and AS Level French
        • A and AS Level Geography
        • A and AS Level Maths Tuition
        • GCSE English Language
        • GCSE English Literature
        • GCSE French
        • GCSE Geography
        • GCSE History
        • GCSE Science
      • Course Information
        • GCSE Private Tuition
        • GCSE Retake Private Tuition
        • A and AS Level Private Tuition
        • A and AS Level Retake Private Tuition
        • IGCSE V GCSE
        • Careers in Medicine
      • Full List Of Subjects Available
      • Tuition
      • Monitoring Students’ Progress
      • Help With University Applications
      • Oxbridge Preparation
      • Examinations
      • Our Results
    • Studying At Barts
      • Course Fees
      • Term Dates
      • College Regulations
        • Online Safety and ICT Acceptable Use Policy
        • Safeguarding Policy
        • Complains and Appeals Policy
        • Exams Policy
      • Student Recreation
    • News
    • Register
    • Contact

    GCSE English Language

    At Barts, we offer real flexibility when it comes to exam boards for English. While our English tutor’s preference is for Edexcel iGCSE, due to the option to have coursework count towards your grade, we can also teach towards AQA, OCR, and (regular) Edexcel. If you would like to stick to an exam board that you are familiar with, we will support and encourage that. However, switching exam boards for one reason or another is not uncommon and our tutors will support you with this transition.

    No matter which exam board specification you choose, the content you are taught remains broadly similar, with slight variations in the way the exam is ‘built’ so to speak. For example, whilst with AQA English Language, Paper 2, you are provided 2 unseen non-fiction texts to analyse and compare; in iGCSE, you are taught an anthology (collection) of non-fiction texts, one or two of which will be written about in the exam.

    Also similar (actually, pretty much the same!) are the actual objectives you are trying to achieve through the study of English Language. They fall into two main categories: Reading and writing.

    Reading Objectives:

    • Read, understand and interpret texts
    • Analyse how writers use methods and techniques to achieve effects
    • Compare texts and writers’ methods within these texts

    Writing Objectives

    • Write effectively and imaginatively, adapting the style to suit different texts and audiences.
    • Use a variety of accurate vocabulary (including spelling), punctuation, and grammar to achieve particular effects.

    The above objectives are not the exact wording of any one exam board’s assessment objectives. They are very similar across exam boards though.

    In your exams or your coursework, you will be expected to write about how writers achieve effects in both fiction (stories) and non-fiction (‘real’ texts). For example, in writing about a non-fiction newspaper article, you might explore how the writer demonstrates their thoughts and feelings through the use of their sarcasm, or through their use of similes to create exaggeration. In writing about a fiction extract (say, an extract from The Hunger Games), you might explore how the use of short sentences creates a sense of anxiety, or how the metaphors help to paint the scene as a monotonous and hopeless place.

    About 50% of the marks awarded for English Language GCSE (no matter what exam board) will be for your writing skills. You will be taught how to use linguistic (language!) and structural (how sentences are built!) techniques to create atmosphere and vivid description; you will be encouraged to widen your vocabulary and spell as accurately as possible; and you will experiment with different types of text so that, no matter what the exam throws at you, you will be able to respond skillfully and imaginatively.

    You will be in safe hands with our tutor, Ant, who has taught at Barts for around 13 years, with his students consistently getting excellent results, year on year. Past students always comment on his kindness, patience and his expertise and passion for his subject.

    If you would like to get in touch to discuss coming to Barts to study, for the first time or as a retake, English or any other subject for that matter, please do get in touch with us through our contact page.

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    Testimonials

    I came to Barts because I failed my A-levels at another college and was consequently unable to get to uni on the course I wanted (Biomedicine). After only a year at Barts I was able to turn my A-levels around (pretty astonishing considering it took two years to fail the first time I did them!). As a result of going to Barts, I was able get to Uni. In fact, I actually had a choice of where I wanted to go.

    Tobias Allen

    Being a student at Barts was brilliant. I felt like I was listened to by my teachers and supervisor, and made to feel comfortable and supported throughout my university applications and my studies.

    My teachers knew their subjects inside out and I felt reassured that I could get through the content before my exams.

    Phoebe Jones

    Barts were amazing. My son's tutor was perfect in every way, we couldn’t have asked for a more amazing chap to not only turn 2 C’s into an A star and an A grade, but also the level of care and support was beyond anything we could have hoped for. Barts is like a family that care for you from start to finish. When the experience is all all over, you miss them. I cannot recommend them more highly. A star Barts!

    Jo Miller

    My daughter attended Barts for tuition in one subject in year 13 whilst she was at sixth form college, as ill health was affecting her grades. Everyone at Barts was incredibly kind and supportive, and they were happy to work in a way that suited my daughter. Their sincere interest in their pupils was apparent from the very first meeting. I think it is a unique and exceptional place.

    Alison Cowley

    The one to one tuition allows you to get the most out of each lesson. While the socials and common room ensure that you are far from isolated. Your individual progress is monitored as the year goes on, helping to ensure and enable you to reach your full potential. Bartholomews proved to be everything I needed and more and I would sincerely urge others to consider going here.

    Paige Allen

    Barts have helped our family in so many ways. Mike was hugely supportive - he listened and supported in very different ways.

    I can't thank them enough. From extra GCSE learning support to an extra A level - the teaching was excellent and their approach always well suited.

    Paule Constable

    22-23 Prince Albert Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1HF
    +44 (0) 1273 205965 +44 (0) 1273 205141
    enquiry @bartscollege.co.uk
    Tuition available Monday-Friday 9.00am-5.00pm

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