Tutor Subject: English

All students in the UK will study English at primary and secondary level, including at GCSE. However, at upper secondary level some students may also choose to study either GCSE English Language and/or GCSE English Literature. Some students may choose to study English at A level and then perhaps go on to study it at degree level when they go to university. The overarching aim for English in the national curriculum is to promote high standards of language and literacy…
Read more…d literacy by equipping pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written language, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment.

The national curriculum for English aims to ensure that all pupils:

  • read easily, fluently and with good understanding
  • develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information
  • acquire a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language
  • appreciate our rich and varied literary heritage
  • write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences
  • use discussion in order to learn; they should be able to elaborate and explain clearly their understanding and ideas
  • are competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debate.

Studying English at GCSE involves responding to fictional and non-fictional texts, and the English Language exams also involve writing fiction and non-fiction texts.

The focus of English Literature A level is the study of novels, poetry and plays, though it also can include prose other than fiction such as biography, travel writing, essays and scripts for films or television.

The central method of this study is close textual analysis, but also you will read texts using the tools of historical contextualisation and more theoretical or philosophical approaches.

At A Level English courses focus on the need to write coherently in a mature and sophisticated style. Additionally, you will develop the skills of textual analysis. The cornerstone of any literary essay is the apt use of references to the source text. These references must then be carefully explained in terms of what they mean and how they achieve that meaning.

A traditional degree in English Literature remains very well respected as a qualification – it is considered a ‘facilitating subject’ – because it requires effective oral and written communication and the ability to synthesise, analyse and evaluate demanding material.

Those wanting to study Literature at university often combine English A level with A levels in Modern Foreign Languages, History, Drama, Philosophy, Politics, Economics, Psychology and Classics.

A degree in English is considered a good grounding for a career in journalism and the media and perhaps essential for those who want to work in publishing. It is not unusual for those who work in the legal profession to have an undergraduate degree in English before converting to study law.

Work in administrating organisations such as theatres and galleries are also often undertaken by those with degrees in English.

A good first port of call for those interested in studying English either at A level and/or at degree level is to visit the UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) website.

Featured tutor Bea, tutor number TTT1371

Featured Tutor: Bea

Subjects: History English Art History Science Maths University Admission Applications Support Dissertation/Essay Writing Skills Study Skills
Location: Online tuition only

Experienced tutor with 7+ years supporting students from Primary to Postgraduate level across humanities subjects. Specialist in History, Art History, English, and university admissions (including Oxbridge). Proven track record of improving academic performance with 94% of students achieving or exceeding target grades. I taught at the University of Oxford while I completed my Masters and …

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Featured tutor Solveig, tutor number 1061

Featured Tutor: Solveig

Subjects: Latin German French English University Admission Applications Support Study Skills
Location: Hethersett, Norwich and also offers online tuition

With 22 years of experience in education, I bring a wealth of expertise in teaching and tutoring across Key Stages 3, 4, and 5, and have also worked in Adult Education language courses and provided university transition workshops for German. I have a proven track record in school and tutoring of helping students achieve high …

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Featured tutor Fiona, tutor number TUT326

Featured Tutor: Fiona

Subjects: English
Location: North Norfolk

I volunteered in various schools for two years and then worked in Learning Support at Beeston Prep School for 5 years. I also took on private pupils at home during this time. I have taught pupils with specific learning difficulties from ages 6 to 13 supporting them with english and a little basic maths.

Featured tutor Romy, tutor number TUT1286

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Subjects: English Maths French German
Location: Norwich and also offers online tuition

I offer tuition in English and Maths at primary level (I am a qualified primary school teacher) and in French and German at primary or secondary level (my undergraduate degree is in French and German). I am kind and patient and I really enjoy helping people learn and finding engaging ways to teach new knowledge …

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Featured tutor Kitty, tutor number TUT1353

Featured Tutor: Kitty

Subjects: English Language English Literature English Literacy
Location: Norwich and also offers online tuition

I studied English Language and Literature at Trinity College, Oxford. I have tutored English Language and Literature for GCSE and A-Level. This consisted of preparing students for exams by working through past questions together and discussing good techniques for revision and exams. I tutored students taking a variety of different exam boards, so have experience …

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Featured tutor Alma, tutor number 1042

Featured Tutor: Alma

Subjects: English Literacy Numeracy
Location: Norwich and also offers online tuition

It is a privilege to see students, who come to me for help with their English studies, go on to achieve great results. It’s so rewarding to share my knowledge and enthusiasm, for this vital subject with them, and to witness the new-found confidence and enjoyment which they bring to their work.