We’ve all been there. A teacher has explained something in detail in class. They’ve asked us questions; we’ve made notes and they’ve set us homework. The trouble is, we can’t do the homework. We just don’t ‘get’ the teacher’s point, or we can’t remember a specific detail. Even at the grand old age of 43, I still remember the feeling of sheer panic I felt at the thought of not being able to complete my homework and the anxiety I experienced about upsetting the teacher.
Of course, when you reach GCSEs at school, that anxiety is ramped up. There’s so much information to take in at school, it’s no wonder that when students go back to revise, they discover gaps in their notes and in their knowledge. Most schools offer revision classes in year 11, but these often take the ‘fire hose’ approach – students are doused in a deluge of information and don’t get the opportunity to learn in their own way, at their own pace.
Luckily, there are stacks of brilliant resources out there that your teen can access to help them to plug their knowledge gaps and calm their GCSE nerves. In fact, there are so many, that I may have ‘cheated’ and grouped resources under ten categories! Here are my recommendations.
1 Best for context
Those lovely people at the British Library have published all these free, fully researched articles, written by academics on most of the GCSE set texts. The articles are accessible and extremely informative.
2 Best all-round resource
I know, I know, everyone has heard of GCSE Bitesize, but it is worth parents having a really good dig about on this site, as there is so much discover that a teenager might miss. I particularly like the resources on An Inspector Calls , the learner guides on English writing and the fact that you can add resources you’ve found onto the ‘My Bitesize’ tab.
3 Best for Shakespeare
I’m a bit spoiled for choice here, so please forgive my slightly stretching the ‘top ten’ rules.
For well-explained plot and character summaries, Sparknotes is my go-to resource
Royal Shakespeare Company has really well organised resources that explain the story, characters, language and staging of the plays. The resources are presented in levels. Go for level 3 at GCSE.
For Shakespeare, my favourite play editions are those published by the Cambridge School Shakespeare. Not only do their books provide glossaries of the key vocabulary, but every double page spread has extra information on stage craft, themes and characterisation. At the back there are useful summaries and information on context, as well as some revision exercises. There are interactive activities on the website too
4 Best for practice papers
All of the major exam boards give free access to past papers and mark schemes, so that you can see what examiners are looking for.
5 Best for quizzes
Educational research suggests that quizzing is a very effective way of getting knowledge to stick: active retrieval of information promotes transfer into the long term memory. Hence my inclusion of these resources.
Under its ‘resources’ tab, TES have loads of revision quizzes written by teachers that your teen can download and complete. You just need to select your filters on the side bar. Many of them are free, and the others cost a couple of pounds. Many are reviewed by other users, and you can preview them too before you buy.
TES also has guides written specifically for GCSE/iGCSE students and parents
Some good ‘quick fire’ quizzes here
Seneca includes flashcards, gap fills and end of topic tests on English language and literature.
Impressive collection of quizzes, flashcards, mindmaps and revision notes on Get Revising. They are teacher recommended too.
I encourage all of my students to use Quizlet to quiz themselves on key terms and concepts. You’ll find lots of ready made quizzes on there written by teachers as well. This year, they have rolled out a FREE GCSE revision resource centre as well.
6 Best video tutorials
Mr Bruff is a mine of detailed, accessible information. I love his poetry videos on YouTube. They are thorough and thought-provoking.
Mr Salles videos really target those students who want to get grades 7-9 at GCSE, although his videos are probably best for the AQA exam board. Mark Birch’s videos break down set texts chapter by chapter in an eye-catching, attention grabbing way.
7 Best printed study guides
York notes for GCSEs and CGP Guides contain all the information that students studying with any exam board might need. Both sell revision workbooks as well and cater for the English language paper, as well as publishing guides for all the set texts.
8 Best for home schoolers
Twinkl , TES(linked above) and Teachit has downloadable powerpoints, revision guides, study notes and entire units of work on each aspect of GCSE English literature.
9 Best for helping students develop writing skills
Englishbiz has detailed guides on developing writing skills for both literature and language papers.
10 Best resources to stretch ambitious students
A high attaining student would find Massolit’s short lectures interesting, particularly if they were considering going onto study English literature at A level.
Of course, a 1:1 online English GCSE tutor can diagnose the gaps in your teen’s knowledge and help them to revise in a structured way, at their own pace. If you would like to talk to me about how I build students’ confidence and prepare them to succeed in their exams, just book a free consultation with me.
