I‘ve built a library of articles for parents and students alike, designed to help you prepare for different stages of school life, like 11+, KS3 and KS4, how to get ready for exams (based on my experience as an AQA Examiner), alongside resources to help with key GCSE texts including An Inspector Calls, Macbeth and Lord of the Flies. And take a look at some of the book reviews I’ve written, too!
Articles
Book Review: Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (Why KS3 Students Will Love This Epic Adventure)
A funny, fast-paced read packed with monsters, myths and magical quests…here’s why Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief is a must-read for KS3 students who love action and adventure.
An Inspector Calls – How Does Priestley Present the Character of Sheila?
Struggling to revise An Inspector Calls? This breakdown of Sheila’s character explores her development, key quotes and Priestley’s message, with tips on how one-to-one tutoring can help sharpen your GCSE essay skills.
Starting Year 11 in September? 4 Easy Ways to Get Ahead in GCSE English
Starting Year 11 in September? These four quick and easy summer tips will help you feel more confident going into your final GCSE English year…all without giving up your holiday.
Remains by Simon Armitage: What It Means and Why It Matters for Your GCSE English Exam
Remains by Simon Armitage is a raw and unsettling poem that explores the psychological fallout of modern warfare. Told from the perspective of a soldier haunted by a memory of killing, it highlights the lasting effects of trauma, guilt, and the invisible wounds soldiers carry long after they’ve left the battlefield.
Book Review: Wonder by R.J. Palacio (Why KS3 Students Should Read It)
Wonder by R.J. Palacio is a heartfelt, uplifting story that KS3 students will love. This review explores why it matters, what it teaches, and how it helps readers reflect on kindness, empathy and being brave.
Who Is the Inspector in An Inspector Calls? Why He Matters for Your GCSE English
Who is Inspector Goole, really? This GCSE-friendly guide explains what makes him one of the most important characters in An Inspector Calls, and how to write top-grade exam answers about him.
The Duality of Man in Jekyll and Hyde: What It Means and Why It Matters for Your GCSE
The duality of man is one of the key themes in Jekyll and Hyde. Here’s a simple, student-friendly guide to what it means, how Stevenson shows it, and how to write about it for your GCSE exam.
Who Is Juliet in Romeo and Juliet? What You Need to Know for GCSE English
Juliet is more than a lovestruck teenager. Here’s a clear, student-friendly guide to her character, how she changes, and why she’s so important for your GCSE exam.
Book Review: The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Raúf (Why KS3 Students Should Read It)
The Boy at the Back of the Class is a moving and memorable story that KS3 students will love. This review explores what it’s about, why it matters, and how it can help young readers develop empathy, understanding and reading confidence.
The Theme of Redemption in A Christmas Carol: Why It Matters for Your GCSE English Exam
Studying A Christmas Carol for GCSE? This guide unpacks the theme of redemption, showing how Dickens uses Scrooge’s transformation to deliver one of the most powerful moral messages in literature - and what examiners are looking for.
Book Review: Crater Lake by Jennifer Killick (Why KS3 Students Will Love This Creepy, Funny Read)
Like creepy stories with a sense of humour? Crater Lake is a spooky, funny, fast-paced adventure that KS3 students will love. Think Goosebumps meets school trip gone wrong…here’s why it’s worth a read.
Book Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (Why KS3 Students Will Love It)
If you’re in Years 7–9 and love stories that are exciting, dramatic and packed with big ideas, The Hunger Games is a must-read. This review explains what it’s about, why it works so well for KS3 readers, and how it can inspire your English skills.
Moving into Year 10? How to Get Ready for GCSE English
Starting Year 10? Here’s how to get GCSE English ready over the summer without the stress. From set texts to writing practice, this guide shares easy ways to build confidence and start the year feeling prepared.
Book Review: Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes (Why KS3 Students Should Read This Powerful Story)
Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes is a powerful, thought-provoking story that tackles racism, injustice and courage in a way that KS3 students can connect with. This review explores why it’s such an important read for Years 7–9 and how it builds empathy, understanding and discussion.
The Theme of Socialism in Animal Farm: What It Means for Your GCSE English Exam
Studying Animal Farm for GCSE English? This guide explores the theme of socialism, how Orwell presents it through the rebellion and the pigs’ betrayal, and how to write about it in your exam.
The Descent into Savagery in Lord of the Flies: What You Need to Know for GCSE English
Studying Lord of the Flies for GCSE English? This clear guide explains the theme of savagery, how it develops through the novel, and what you need to know for your exam.
Who Is Macbeth? An Easy Guide to His Character (and Why He Matters for Your GCSE)
Struggling to understand Macbeth for GCSE? This student-friendly guide breaks down who he is, how he changes, and what examiners are really looking for when it comes to Shakespeare’s most ambitious character.
Book Review: Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer (Why KS3 Students Shouldn’t Miss This Clever, Action-Packed Adventure)
Looking for a clever, fast-paced adventure to hook KS3 readers? Artemis Fowl is packed with action, wit and a brilliant anti-hero at the centre of a magical tech-fuelled world. Here’s why it’s a top pick for Years 7–9.
Understanding Lord of the Flies for Your English GCSE: What You Need to Know
If you’re preparing for your English GCSE, there’s a good chance “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding is on your reading list.
It’s not the easiest novel to get through, I know, but getting to grips with it can give you a real advantage when it comes to exam time.
Breaking Down Lady Macbeth: A GCSE Guide to Understanding One of Shakespeare's Most Complex Characters
Students! Let’s dig deep into the enigmatic character of Lady Macbeth. We're dissecting a 20-line extract that packs a punch in revealing her deepest desires and fears…