Creative Writing Masterclass – originally held on 4th January 2025 This engaging Masterclass is designed to prepare students for the creative writing section of the GCSE exam. During the session, we covered: How to structure a narrative effectively. The differences between linear and non-linear narratives. Techniques for crafting an engaging opening. Examples of Grade 8/9 answers to inspire and guide students. By purchasing this Masterclass, your child will also receive the unique benefit of having their work marked by me, with detailed feedback to help them improve and refine their writing skills.
Is your child writing Point, Evidence, Explanation paragraphs but still not achieving the grades they deserve? One of the biggest reasons students get stuck in the middle mark bands is that they don't fully understand what GCSE English examiners are looking for. This masterclass has been designed to change that. As a GCSE English examiner with over 26 years of teaching experience, I'll show students exactly how to move beyond simply explaining quotations and begin writing the thoughtful, analytical responses that achieve higher marks. Using an extract from *The Book Thief*, I model a high-level response, explaining each step of the thinking process and highlighting the features examiners reward. Students will leave with a much clearer understanding of how to improve their own analytical writing. In this masterclass, students will: * Understand why Point, Evidence and Explanation alone isn't enough for the higher mark bands. * Learn what GCSE English examiners are really looking for in analytical writing. * Watch a high-level response modelled step by step by an experienced GCSE English examiner. * Develop the skills needed to write more perceptive, analytical paragraphs. * Gain practical strategies they can apply to future GCSE English essays immediately. What's included? * Full recorded masterclass * Downloadable workbook packed with activities and guidance * PowerPoint presentation used during the session * Higher GCSE English Analysis Checklist to use with future essays Perfect for: * GCSE English students aiming for Grades 6–9. * Students who feel stuck using Point, Evidence and Explanation. * Parents looking for expert examiner guidance to help their child improve. * Students preparing for mock exams or the final GCSE examinations. Whether your child is looking to boost their confidence, improve their analytical writing or understand exactly what examiners are rewarding, this masterclass provides practical, examiner-led guidance they can return to whenever they need it. Instant digital download Watch at your own pace, revisit as often as you like and start writing stronger GCSE English analysis today.
If your child is reading extracts but not knowing what to do with them, this masterclass will transform how they approach the exam. In this examiner-led masterclass, I teach students exactly how to annotate effectively under exam conditions. This is a key skill that directly impacts their ability to analyse, select evidence, and write high-level responses. This is not about passive highlighting. This is about thinking like an examiner. What this masterclass covers: ✔️ The difference between highlighting and annotating and why most students are doing it wrong ✔️ A clear, step-by-step method for annotating unseen extracts in the exam ✔️ How to highlight strategically so students focus only on what matters ✔️ How to break down the question so they know exactly what to look for ✔️ Live modelling using: • An extract from the IGCSE Non-Fiction Anthology • A real AQA GCSE English Language past paper These extracts are also ideal practice for all exam boards, as they function as unseen texts. What students will be able to do after this session: • Approach any unseen extract with confidence • Identify key words, methods, and structural features quickly • Avoid over-highlighting and instead annotate with purpose • Link their annotations directly to exam questions • Build stronger, more focused analytical responses What’s included: • Full recording of the live masterclass • A structured student workbook to follow along • Built-in pause points for independent practice • Bonus revision material on: • Language techniques • Structural methods • Space for students to annotate, reflect, and revise independently
This focused, student-friendly PowerPoint is designed to break down one of the most challenging questions on Paper 1: Question 3. This resource guides students step-by-step through: - What structure actually means in the exam - A clear range of structural devices (e.g. shifts in focus, zooming in/out, cyclical structure, juxtaposition) - How to analyse structure using precise sentence stems - The effects of structural choices using ambitious vocabulary - Reader response vocabulary to elevate answers - The What? How? Why? framework to structure high-level responses - How to bring everything together into a strong, exam-ready paragraph Perfect for: - GCSE English Language students (AQA, but transferable across boards) - Parents supporting revision at home This is a practical, no-nonsense resource.
