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English literature GCSE papers

10 replies

Examwoes · 27/04/2025 18:59

I’m so concerned for my daughter who is about to sit her GCSEs.

She goes back to school after Easter break tomorrow and it’s become clear how poor her results are likely to be.

I’ve been really unimpressed by the school (older child went to another school until 3 years ago when she left at the end of Yr 11 so I do have some marker to go by). But thought I was over imagining it.

Her mock results were awful.we strategised over how to help and support. And have followed as agreed/suggested.

The school did the last Eng Lit mock (paper 2) just before Easter. It wasn’t the second or third mock. It was the first time they did a mock for paper 2. Anyway, she got a Grade 3.

She’s had very little feedback.

But I’ve realised that the isssue appears to be her essay writing. It’s almost like she says 10 words when she should be saying 30. The texts are Macbeth, Inspector Calls and Jekyl and Hyde.

She knows the content (flash cards are answered well), but she can’t get it down on paper.

And with a little over two weeks to go realise there isn’t an awful lot she can do.

She reads model answers but just can’t get it down. She starts to write a plan and just freezes. She tried to follow the intro, 2 or 3 paragraphs of analysis and conclusion but she just can’t do it.

If any one has any nuggets of help, I’d appreciate it. Or even some specific web pages to look at - a lot have model questions and answers but she doesn’t seems to take anything from that. Thank you.

OP posts:
SilverBlue56 · 27/04/2025 19:01

I would say at this late stage - focus on passing English Language and forget about English lit.

It doesn't matter what she gets if she can pass language.

MagicStarMama · 27/04/2025 19:04

Aren’t school doing extra sessions? They are every lunch time and after school at my dds school. Take advantage anything available.

Stoufer · 27/04/2025 19:05

Sorry to hear things are difficult - I tried to deal with it last year by buying all manner of resources / flash cards / cards. Have she tried watching English teacher YouTube videos? They can be really helpful, and can be a format that engages. They will also do some ‘handy tips’ type videos, which will help to actively pick up extra marks. Mr Bruff is one of those, and there are probably others…

Have you asked the question on the current year 11 support group chat? There are some very knowledgeable posters there, especially @MrsHamlet if I remember correctly!
Good luck!

Interested in this thread?

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mrsnjw · 27/04/2025 19:06

Focus on language. Park the English lit. Its ridiculous, they need to learn about eighteen poems as well!

Snorlaxo · 27/04/2025 19:06

There are English teachers on YouTube if a human explaining it in video is preferable to reading the examiners’ notes and mark schemes.

MrsHamlet · 27/04/2025 19:23

Is it AQA? If it is, I might be able to help

ElsaSnow · 27/04/2025 19:44

If it’s essay writing she is struggling with, try the PEEL approach in each paragraph: Make a Point, Explain her point, Evidence this eg with a quote and then Link it back to the question.

EG: Introduction, paragraph 1 = 1 point (PEEL), para 2 = 2nd point, para 3, para 4, conclusion - depending on how many points the question is worth as to how many points/paragraphs.

LottieMary · 27/04/2025 20:38

DM me an essay I’ll send you some thoughts

Pollygrip · 28/04/2025 06:51

My daughter found this podcast really helpful, and it helped her get an 8 (from a 5 in the mock!). It’s run by two teachers and in each episode they go through an exam question, breaking it down to show you how to answer it. I cannot recommend it enough!

Also, have a read of the examiners reports as they have some helpful tips, e.g. they don’t expect the students to learn long quotes, sometimes just a word or two in context is enough.

GCSE English Revision Pod

MrsKeats · 28/04/2025 10:57

Why are you immediately jumping to this is the schools fault?

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