Hamlet by William Shakespeare is famous for one man's inner struggle, but Ophelia is a character worthy of our attention because she comes to a tragic end at such a young age. If you are studying this play for the A Level exam this video tutorial will give you a detailed analysis of her character that will help in your revision, but it will also make you think about important issues of gender and identity that are still relevant today.
https://youtu.be/Kc0-rZf8nTA
Tutoring with Gavin
With 20 years of experience teaching English (5 years as head of dept.), including two years online,
Operating as usual
The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare is one of the more memorable and most problematic of the bard's comedies, with its theme of intolerance and prejudice. It has been performed in many different ways and continues to create debates about how best to present the character of Shylock and the other Christian characters who exhibit such explicit antisemitism.
https://youtu.be/8EsAkDnvwVI
The Merchant of Venice Revision: Themes - Prejudice and Intolerance The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare is one of the more memorable and most problematic of the bard's comedies, with its theme of intolerance and pre...
This video tutorial on Section A of Paper 2 from the AQA English Language GCSE exam provides a detailed walk-through of the four questions, with grade 9 responses. Watch the video for your revision and you will understand the structure, assessment objectives, and technique needed to pass this exam.
https://youtu.be/oL11X68ozzM
AQA GCSE English Language Paper 2 - Section A This video tutorial on Section A of Paper 2 from the AQA English Language GCSE exam provides a detailed walk-through of the four questions, with grade 9 resp...
This dark and thought-provoking novel had an impact on my view of human nature when I read it as a kid, and it continues to have an effect on readers today. The ideas explored in Lord of the Flies, whether you agree or not, will stay with you. William Golding's bleak view of humanity provokes us, asks questions of us, and forces us to consider how we want to live. This video provides an insight into the themes, equipping you with the necessary ideas to take into the GCSE Literature exam.
https://youtu.be/6c5UCLQeOU8
GCSE English Literature Exam Revision: Lord of the Flies - Themes This dark and thought-provoking novel had an impact on my view of human nature when I read it as a kid, and it continues to have an effect on readers today. ...
The GCSE English Language exam is very similar for each of the exam boards, but they do vary slightly, so it's important to get to know how each paper looks, where the marks are awarded, and how long to spend on each question. This video will walk you through the AQA paper 1 for November 2018, providing model answers that would get you a grade 9.
https://youtu.be/MiijkQEiFxg
AQA GCSE English Language Paper 1: Section A The GCSE English Language exam is very similar for each of the exam boards, but they do vary slightly, so it's important to get to know how each paper looks,...
There are many great poems to analyse on the poetry section of the GCSE Literature exam. "London" by William Blake is one of my favourites on the power and conflict cluster. If you watch this video tutorial you will better understand the context, form, structure, imagery, themes and poetic techniques used to create this masterpiece.
https://youtu.be/J3SkqHbfcmM
Poetry Anthology Analysis: London by William Blake There are many great poems to analyse on the poetry section of the GCSE Literature exam. "London" by William Blake is one of my favourites on the power and c...
The green-eyed monster may have destroyed poor Othello, but he remains one of the most memorable Shakespeare characters of the tragic genre. The evil Iago played him like a puppeteer and the innocent Desdemona paid a heavy price. If you're studying this play for A Level you might want to watch this free video tutorial. Just don't forget your handkerchief.
https://youtu.be/5wT0N1gS_Ok
A Level Revision: Othello - Character Analysis of Othello The green-eyed monster may have destroyed poor Othello, but he remains one of the most memorable Shakespeare characters of the tragic genre. The evil Iago pl...
The GCSE English Language exam is very similar for each of the exam boards, but they do vary slightly, so it's important to get to know how each paper looks, where the marks are awarded, and how long to spend on each question. This video will walk you through the Edexcel paper 1 for November 2018, providing model answers that would get you a grade 9.
https://youtu.be/4CabgKUXnsA
Edexcel GCSE English Language Paper 1: Section A The GCSE English Language exam is very similar for each of the exam boards, but they do vary slightly, so it's important to get to know how each paper looks,...
It's probably the most famous play ever written, but have you thought about why this is? By watching this video tutorial on Romeo and Juliet's themes you will realise what Shakespeare was saying through his writing is universal and touches us all in some way. If you are studying this for GCSE English Literature then you may be facing an assessment or exam in the future that will expect you to know the themes and the ideas that affect us in this tragic, but also funny, play. Enjoy!
https://youtu.be/6PMWuuiYchI
GCSE English Literature Exam Revision: Romeo and Juliet - Themes It's probably the most famous play ever written, but have you thought about why this is? By watching this video tutorial on Romeo and Juliet's themes you wil...
The tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, these star-crossed lovers, is far from simple as with all Shakespeare plays, and so writing a grade 9 essay about the relationship between young and adult characters is a tricky challenge. This was the question set in the past paper of 2018, and needs some careful planning. This question could come up in a mock exam or an internal assessment, so be prepared by watching this video.
https://youtu.be/kGAtjjg2-h4
How to Write a Grade 9 GCSE Literature Essay: AQA 2018 Past Paper - Romeo and Juliet The tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, these star-crossed lovers, is far from simple as with all Shakespeare plays, and so writing a grade 9 essay about the relati...
This video on how Simon is presented in Lord of The Flies by William Golding provides an insight in how to plan and structure a grade 9 essay in the GCSE Literature exam. The video is part of a series of tutorials on a range of exam questions from recent past papers and other questions that have come up over the last twenty years. If you study these essays you will soon uncover the secrets of writing a great essay.
https://youtu.be/Npc8GNRzG2Y
How to Write a Grade 9 GCSE Literature Essay: AQA 2018 Past Paper - Lord of the Flies This video on how Simon is presented in Lord of The Flies by William Golding provides an insight in how to plan and structure a grade 9 essay in the GCSE Lit...
Hopefully this is it. We finally have some details about this year's GCSE and A Level grades. It seems they have plumped for the least offensive option to students, but I'm sure there will be a few bumps in the road before August when results are announced. So let this be a lesson on how NOT to run an education system. Good luck.
https://youtu.be/XG0AS04SubI
GCSEs and A-levels 2021: The Government and Ofqual Announce Details of How Grades Will Be Awarded Hopefully this is it. We finally have some details about this year's GCSE and A Level grades. It seems they have plumped for the least offensive option to st...
In this video tutorial I show how to get a grade 9 for your GCSE Literature exam essay. It teaches you how to plan and structure the essay, focussing on the key elements of literary criticism that are rewarded by examiners. It also goes through the thinking behind each paragraph and identifies where you will gain marks.
https://youtu.be/iH1TRuFqMlU
How to Write a Grade 9 GCSE Literature Essay on: Scrooge In this video tutorial I show how to get a grade 9 for your GCSE Literature exam essay. It teaches you how to plan and structure the essay, focussing on the ...
As the official Ofqual consultation report draws near, the TES teaching journal has published an article that suggests they have information about how the GCSE and A Level grades will be assessed by teachers in the coming weeks. Instead of new external exam papers being set for students, it seems they have another alternative.
https://youtu.be/h_HLCBSi0Fg
GCSE Exams 2021: Latest Information on the Consultation As the official Ofqual consultation report draws near, the TES teaching journal has published an article that suggests they have information about how the GC...
If you are confident that you know An Inspector Calls really well, but you're not confident about your essay writing technique, then this video tutorial is the perfect solution. By watching this walk-through of the essay writing process for the GCSE Literature exam you can prepare properly and give yourself every chance of getting a grade 9. Investigate this skill now and solve the mystery of how to succeed.
https://youtu.be/4wSe890AZY4
How to Write a Grade 9 GCSE Literature Essay On: Sheila Birling If you are confident that you know An Inspector Calls really well, but you're not confident about your essay writing technique, then this video tutorial is t...
The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald is one of the great American classic novels of the 20th century. It deals with complex ideas about identity and The American Dream, and provides a glittering glimpse of life in the roaring twenties, when gangsters were celebrities and the rich socialites behaved badly. This analysis will help in your preparation for the A Level Literature exam and provides a fascinating insight into one of the greatest American novelists.
https://youtu.be/09dDX2xCTJY
A-Level English Literature Exam Revision: The Great Gatsby Analysis The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald is one of the great American classic novels of the 20th century. It deals with complex ideas about identity and The Am...
When under pressure in your literature exam, with the clock ticking and your brain racing, the one thing that will save you and get you that top grade is a sound and reliable, tried and tested, technique in writing an essay. In this series of video tutorials I will provide grade 9 examples from a range of exam texts and questions that will provide excellent revision material along with outstanding technique. These tutorials are the most valuable tool you can use to prepare for any literature exam.
https://youtu.be/EenqdGMZGT4
How to Write a Grade 9 Literature Essay on: Lady Macbeth When under pressure in your literature exam, with the clock ticking and your brain racing, the one thing that will save you and get you that top grade is a s...
Mrs Birling is one of the most interesting and complex characters in An Inspector Calls by J B Priestley. This video tutorial provides detailed analysis of character, themes and context that will help you achieve a grade 9 in your GCSE English Literature exam.
https://youtu.be/OHSBlYVGTc8
GCSE English Literature Exam Revision: An Inspector Calls - Character Analysis of Mrs Birling Mrs Birling is one of the most interesting and complex characters in An Inspector Call by J B Priestley. This video tutorial provides detailed analysis of ch...
If you hope to get a top grade for your English Language and Literature exams you have to be able to analyse the writer's language effectively. All assessment criteria, whether it be GCSE, iGCSE or A Level, expects you to find meaning in the imagery and literary techniques, and understand the effect this has on the reader. This video tutorial gives you four tips that will push up your grade and give you the skills to impress any examiner.
https://youtu.be/O_-XAcdzb6Y
English Exam Revision: Exam Skills - How to Analyse a Writer's Language If you hope to get a top grade for your English Language and Literature exams you have to be able to analyse the writer's language effectively. All assessmen...
There are many skills to be mastered for the GCSE and A Level exams, and in the case of vocabulary, your English Language narrative or descriptive writing can leap up another level just by expanding and developing your use of vocabulary when writing. In this series of videos I will provide a range of essential tips and techniques to help you get your great grade. Subscribe now for regular updates to all of these video lessons and many more for the English Literature exam.
https://youtu.be/-xanUIXuMmI
GCSE English Exam Revision: Exam Skills - Improving your Vocabulary There are many skills to be mastered for the GCSE and A Level exams, and in the case of vocabulary, your English Language narrative or descriptive writing ca...
Finally, some details about the GCSE and A Level exams. Students have been asking for reassurances and answers since Boris Johnson announced they were cancelled. It seems this statement was misleading and premature. Watch the video on Ofqual's detailed response to the Education Secretary's initial proposals to see how this all affects you and your plans.
https://youtu.be/VYfUttigvZY
For those hoping to get a grade 9 in the GCSE English Language or Literature this video tutorial will help to explain one of the more difficult literary devices to understand. Once you start to recognise this technique it will help your language and literature analysis, and improve your narrative or descriptive writing skills.
https://youtu.be/HYonxv4t9wg
GCSE English Language and Literature Exam: Literary Devices - Allusion For those hoping to get a grade 9 in the GCSE English Language or Literature this video tutorial will help to explain one of the more difficult literary devi...
This video looks at the darker side of Victorian Britain and how it influenced Robert Louis Stevenson's Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Those studying this novel for their GCSE Literature exam should not miss this revision resource as it will improve their chances of achieving a great grade this summer.
https://youtu.be/zxAIefIxop8
GCSE English Literature Exam Revision: The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde - Context This video looks at the darker side of Victorian Britain and how it influenced Robert Louis Stevenson's Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Those studying this novel for ...
The government and Ofqual have been exchanging educational love letters about their plans for the coming summer GCSE and A level exams that will not happen - or will they? Confused? Watch this important video to see how you will be affected by these proposals.
https://youtu.be/rQhXZSLtwKs
Today it has been reported that Ofqual are about to announce their PLAN B for the GCSE and A Level summer exams that have been cancelled by the government. This update will provide valuable information about what to expect and how best to react to the news. If you are worried about teacher assessed grades, then this latest news might reassure you. There are also some tips on how to start preparing for these proposed mini exams and internal assessments.
https://youtu.be/UJBvUjEw0YI
Iambic Pentameter is one of the more difficult things to understand when studying Shakespeare. In this video I have given some examples from the play Macbeth that should help you understand the purpose and effect of this language feature. If you include this understanding in your GCSE Literature exam essay analysis, when you zoom in on the extract from the play, it will help you achieve a great grade because you are covering a part of the assessment objectives that many students struggle with.
https://youtu.be/Yt1SOE_X9GI
With continuing uncertainty over the grading system for the GCSE and A level exams that have been cancelled for 2021, I have tried here to explain how students will be graded and how to maximise the eventual grade you will be given. This tutorial gives you vital information and insightful tips, based on my long experience as head of department and examiner. I will continue to provide information as it is revealed by the government, Ofqual and the exam boards.
https://youtu.be/PlqSJaELdyY
The GCSE Literature exam question on Macbeth by William Shakespeare could be about the role of the witches in the death of Duncan, Banquo and Macduff's family. They may only be in four scenes, but they always create a lasting impression on audiences. This analysis will help you understand the weird sisters and my prediction is that your grade will also improve.
https://youtu.be/unvqnHM7s_Q
GCSE English Literature Exam Revision: Character Analysis of the Witches The GCSE Literature exam question on Macbeth by William Shakespeare could be about the role of the witches in the death of Duncan, Banquo and Macduff's famil...
It is vitally important that students and parents are well-informed and updated on the best advice at the moment with the new government proposals regarding covid-19 and the cancelling of summer exams, as this will have a huge impact on the final GCSE grade you get this year. There was chaos last year with predictions that many disagreed with, so to give you the best possible chance of attaining the grade you need and deserve you should watch this video and take control of your future, rather than leaving it to chance.
https://youtu.be/mWKyuj5Qy9o
In this video tutorial I will provide crucial analysis of the mysterious character of Inspector Goole who arrives at the Birling house to wreak havoc on their cosy existence. Many students want to know whether he is a ghost or time-traveller and I hope to provide some answers here for those hoping to get a grade 9 in their GCSE English Literature exam. J B Priestley gives us a tense mystery with clever twists at the end, which makes An Inspector Calls both memorable and entertaining.
https://youtu.be/1Z7v6obLrjY
GCSE English Literature Exam Revision: Character Analysis of Inspector Goole In this video tutorial I will provide crucial analysis of the mysterious character of Inspector Goole who arrives at the Birling house to wreak havoc on thei...