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: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (A Challenging, Powerful Read for KS3 Students)
Read my review of The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Find out what it is about, the key themes, and why confident KS3 readers will get a lot from it…
Ozymandias – How Does Shelley Present Power in the Poem?
How does Shelley present power in 'Ozymandias'? Discover how this iconic poem critiques pride, legacy and the temporary nature of human power
Exposure – How Does Owen Present the Horror of War?
Wilfred Owen’s Exposure reveals the grim truth of trench warfare, showing war as a slow, painful battle against nature, hopelessness and emotional numbness. Ideal GCSE revision support for Power and Conflict students.
Macbeth: How Does Shakespeare Present Ambition and its Capacity for Corruption?
Shakespeare’s Macbeth explores the dark consequences of unchecked ambition, showing how the desire for power can destroy individuals and upset the natural order.
Starting Year 11 in September? 4 Easy Ways to Get Ahead in GCSE English
Starting Year 11 in September? These four simple GCSE English tips will help you get organised over the summer without sacrificing your holiday - from revising set texts to quick writing tasks.
Lord of the Flies: How Does Golding Present the Character of Jack?
Jack’s journey from arrogant choir leader to violent dictator shows how power and fear can quickly dismantle civilisation. This GCSE revision guide explores Golding’s portrayal of Jack and why he remains one of literature’s most chilling characters.
Starting Year 10? Here’s How to Get Ready for GCSE English
Starting Year 10 this September? These four practical tips will help you understand what to expect from GCSE English and how to build good habits from the start - without the stress.
Animal Farm – How Does Orwell Present the Character of Snowball?
Analysing Snowball in Animal Farm? This blog explores key quotes and Orwell’s intent, showing how one-to-one tutoring can help sharpen your GCSE English essays.
Jekyll and Hyde: How Does Stevenson Present the Character of Dr Jekyll?
Dr Jekyll is one of the most complex characters in Jekyll and Hyde, and Stevenson uses him to explore the duality of human nature, Victorian morality and the danger of repression. This post looks at how to write about him effectively for your GCSE English Literature exam.
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.