GCSE English & Entrance Exams Tutor Worthing

The study of English for students at Worthing High, Davison High, or St Andrew’s relies on the intricate interplay between Language and Literature, where textual analysis and creative proficiency are developed as complementary skills. This requires the ability to scrutinise both fiction and non-fiction texts, ensuring students can identify how different writers manage their intentions. My name is David and, with a Bachelor of Education and over twenty years of experience, I provide English tuition that covers the full scope of the GCSE and IGCSE curriculum. In the Language papers, we examine how to produce high-quality transactional writing, such as an article or a speech, where a student might use a rhetorical question to prompt the reader to think more deeply about an issue. We also look at how the use of personal pronouns can create a sense of direct address and engagement with the audience. When working on creative writing, we might explore how the use of a triadic structure can add emphasis to a description, helping the student to meet the marking criteria for clear expression and technical accuracy.

Transitioning to the literature requirements of the exam boards, students engage with a wide range of texts, including modern drama and famous poets. A student may explore the themes of social responsibility and class in J.B. Priestley's An Inspector Calls, analysing how the playwright uses the character of the Inspector to challenge the views of the Birling family. In the study of poetry, they might look at the presentation of nature and the power of the human mind in William Wordsworth’s extract from The Prelude. We work on the skills of literary analysis and criticism, with students learning how to structure their essays and how to integrate historical context into their responses. By practising with past papers and model answers, I help students work toward their final examinations where they can achieve grade 9s.

For younger pupils at Broadwater C of E Primary, the goal is often to secure a place at a competitive secondary school such as Lancing College. This involves preparing for entrance exams that test a child’s ability in reading comprehension, creative writing, and verbal reasoning. We work on how to use descriptive language to create a vivid story, perhaps looking at how an onomatopoeia can add a sensory layer to a piece of writing. By looking at how to use metaphors to create a more imaginative description, I help students to produce work that meets the high standards of school entry. Positive testimonials from families regarding the progress their children have made highlight the value of this preparation.

To ensure that students are fully prepared for every aspect of the admissions process, I also provide a dedicated section for interview preparation. This helps students to build their confidence when speaking to an interviewer, teaching them how to answer questions about their favourite books or their reasons for wanting to join the school. We work on the way they can express their thoughts clearly and engage in a natural conversation, which is a vital part of the successful selection process. By providing a supportive environment to practise these skills, I help students to overcome any anxiety they may have, ensuring they can perform at their best during the interview.