GCSE 9-1

Connecting with unseen poetry

Any examination is a contained and isolating space, the examinee on their own, having to rely on themselves to navigate their way and manage their time. The unseen poetry section is often considered the place containing the highest degree of challenge because of the unfamiliarity of the poem(s) presented. And… Read More

How to add context to your GCSE 9-1 Computer Science lessons

One thing you can say about Computer Science as a teaching subject is that it certainly isn’t static! The nature of computing, new technology, processing speeds and programming language developments means that to stay relevant the courses that support it need to be ‘patched’ on a regular basis. I’ve… Read More
yes you can cover

Do you think you can revise for GCSE English?

Students regularly tell teacher Mark Roberts that they find it hard to revise for their GCSE English exams. His new book, You Can’t Revise for GCSE English! Yes you can, and Mark Roberts shows you how explores why that common belief is wrong – and how all you really need… Read More
Density of materials

Preparing for exam questions on science practicals

Students often love the idea of practical work in science. They have the chance to work in small groups as they experiment with new equipment and see the science come to life, rather than taking notes from the board or answering questions in their books. When it… Read More

Dealing with Poetryphobia

Students often express negative perceptions about poetry. They feel intimidated; they think it’s difficult; they ‘can’t get on with it’. Such perceptions can be self-fulfilling if we’re not careful. How do we get them to appreciate that poetry might be worth reading or even something from which… Read More

GCSE 9-1 English: Two Years In

Naomi Hursthouse It is two years into the cycle of teaching and examining the GCSE 9-1 English course, but what have we learned in that time? In education, we are used to a high turnover in specifications. In my 15 years of teaching, this is the third reinvention of GCSE… Read More

GCSE 9-1 English: Two Years In

Naomi Hursthouse It is two years into the cycle of teaching and examining the GCSE 9-1 English course, but what have we learned in that time? In education, we are used to a high turnover in specifications. In my 15 years of teaching, this is the third reinvention of GCSE… Read More