Understanding the main differences between the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) and the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is important. This article explores the key aspects of both types of qualification, which exam boards offer them, and what parents and students need to know about the course and final examination they are undertaking.
AuthorHollyRead2 minutes
In this blog, Nick, an experienced French teacher and tutor, outlines 10 top tips to securing a level 9 in GCSE French. As you will see, achieving a level 9 is not easy but given some good planning, plenty of time and great motivation, you should find it isn't impossible!
AuthorNicolaRead6 minutes
In this blog, Holly shares top tips of how to achieve a 9 in the English Language GCSE. These tips work for all exam boards and although following them is no guarantee of a grade 9, they could help to raise your grade and improve your performance in the exam. Be sure to check out our other GCSE guides to help with your assessments too!
AuthorHollyRead7 minutes
Mastering ambitious vocabulary is something all students should have in preparation for their GCSE English exams. This can be a difficult skill to manage, particularly if reading is not something you regularly do. This piece looks at the importance of vocabulary across both English Language and Literature GCSE exams.
IGCSEs and GCSEs are largely similar, but there are some key differences. IGCSEs, usually taken by students studying abroad, have slightly different content and are designed for those who do not have the cultural and contextual references of GCSE students living in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Here we explore the examinations and explain what differences students might see during their courses.
AuthorHollyRead3 minutes
Creating a revision timetable has been shown to help with confidence and preparation for public exams. Here, we look at how to plan revision carefully for GCSEs, A-Levels, and the International Baccalaureate (IB). How can you make the most of your time and resources whilst also dealing with unexpected interruptions? Read on to find out.
In Shakespeare's tragedy 'Macbeth,' the relationship between husband and wife Macbeth and Lady Macbeth plays a key role in the play's dramatic narrative. Their power play, marked by ambition, manipulation, and eventual destruction, showcases a marriage founded on the interplay of power and guilt. This piece delves into how Shakespeare presents his characterisation, offering ideas interesting to GCSE students aiming for a top grade.
Understanding the differences between the US GPA system and grades in the UK can be challenging. Whether you are hoping to study in the US, moving from one country to the other, or just curious, our guide will help you understand how your grades compare.
AuthorOwl TutorsRead6 minutes
In this article, Micky, an experienced teacher and examiner examines five top reasons to incorporate past papers into your revision.
AuthorMickyRead3 minutes
In this article, experienced Italian teacher Elena presents her top tips to achieving a 9 in GCSE Italian.
AuthorElenaRead6 minutes
In this article, experienced teacher and tutor, Chris, shares his top tips to supporting GCSE students at home.
AuthorChristopherRead7 minutes
GCSE results day is on August 22nd, 2024! In this article, experienced GCSE teacher Holly, sets out the best approach and most essential information for GCSE retakes.
In this article, Samuel, an experienced teacher, explores the differences and unique features of the IB Middle Years Programme and GCSEs. Many students around the world have the opportunity to study either, so if you require more information about the relative merits of each course, read on!
AuthorSamuel-LouisRead7 minutes
In this article, experienced Science teacher Gareth, takes us through his top tips to tackle GCSE Science exams. Be sure to check out our other articles in this series including!
AuthorOwl TutorsRead8 minutes
In this article, Ali, an experienced teacher and tutor, explains the difference good goal setting can make to a student. Her series of practical tips should be helpful to learners of all ages!
AuthorAlisonRead6 minutes
In this article, experienced teacher and examiner, Mingyan, outlines her 9 top tips to making a grade 9 GCSE Computer Science, more likely. If you enjoyed this article, make sure you check out our other guides for other GCSE subjects. All of which have been written by experienced teachers who are available for one to one tuition.
For a lot of students, the Shakespeare text question can be tricky and difficult to prepare for, but it doesn’t have to be that way. This article aims to help students tackle Shakespeare based questions with confidence. Georgina is an experienced English teacher and sets out her top 7 tips below.
AuthorOwl TutorsRead9 minutes
As a part of our continuing series focused on GCSE subjects, we are pleased to present Chloe's guide for students aiming to achieve a Grade 9 in History.
AuthorChloeRead9 minutes
In the latest of a continuing series, Grace shares her thoughts and reflections as to why she believes teachers make the best tutors. Drawing on her experience as a classroom teacher in the independent sector, she provides a fascinating insight into the unique nature of teacher training and how it produces the best educators.
AuthorGraceRead5 minutes
In this article, one of our top Spanish tutors, Laura, offers her 9 tips to make a 9 more achievable in GCSE Spanish. As well as great general tips for all students, you will also find useful content for your specific exam-board. Be sure to check out our other GCSE subject guides too!
AuthorOwl TutorsRead5 minutes
In this article, Samuel, an experienced and fully qualified maths teacher, presents his 9 tips to make a level 9 in GCSE Maths, much more achievable.
AuthorSamuel-LouisRead6 minutes
In this blog, Geography teacher Tim, takes a look urban sprawl and explains what it is, why it's important to know and the key vocabulary you will need to know for your GCSE examinations.
AuthorOwl TutorsRead4 minutes
In this blog, Tim, an experienced Geography teacher and examiner, outlines a familiar, Geographical strategy to help with GCSE Geography Revision. We hope you find it useful and if you have any additional tips, please feel free to add them in the comments below!
AuthorTimothyRead7 minutes
Chrissie, one of our maths tutors, knows a thing of two about effective revision for GCSE Maths. Chrissie has put together her top ten tips to help you revise effectively for your Maths GCSE examinations.
AuthorChrissieRead7 minutes
In this blog, Grace, an experienced teacher and tutor, takes us through a unique approach to tackling 'unseen' texts for A-Level and GCSE English. You will see that six simple questions can crack open even the toughest of texts. Read on if you need help with unseen texts. Or if you like eggs
AuthorGraceRead12 minutes
In this blog post, tutor and teacher Grace provides an overview of GCSE English, explaining its format and content as well as exploring its development and new innovations. It's a great place to start if you are looking to learn more about GCSE English.
AuthorGraceRead8 minutes
In this blog post, tutor and teacher Simon provides an overview of GCSE Mathematics, explaining its format and content as well as exploring its development and new innovations. It's a great place to start if you are looking to learn more about GCSE maths.
AuthorSimonRead5 minutes
Simon continues his series on mock exam revision with this post on the role of past papers, and how they can help to bring focus and unity of purpose to revision in what has otherwise, for most students, been a very disjointed academic year.
With mock exams playing an especially important role this year, Simon (a qualified Maths teacher and Owl Tutor) offers some useful guidelines for students gearing up for mock exams in the next few months.
It may now be some time until the next Maths GCSE exams take place. But this is your early opportunity to start thinking about exam tactics! Raj offers lots of tips on preparing for the Maths GCSE exams that will help you on your path to success.
AuthorOwl TutorsRead7 minutes
If you are studying towards a qualification in Maths (be it GCSE or A-Level), it will pay off to get into the mind of your examiner. This blog offers insider intel into how examiners mark papers. You will also find a few hints from Raj on certain words you're likely to come across in Maths exams, and what they mean.
AuthorRajRead4 minutes
This is a guest post written by Maud from "Adapt", a free revision timetable app which helps you create and keep on top of your A-level & GCSE revision plan. With many students around the world currently experiencing homeschooling, the app can be a handy tool to help structure your day!
AuthorMaudRead2 minutes
In this article, Ana gives some tips on how to improve your Spanish listening and reading skills during lockdown through five different free online resources. If you can’t go to Spain, let Spain come to you!
AuthorOwl TutorsRead2 minutes
A-Level, GCSE and IB exams set to take place in Spring/Summer 2020 have been cancelled due to the Coronavirus. In this blog, Jen sets out why all is not lost for affected students, who are understandably disappointed.
AuthorJenniferRead2 minutes
In this blog, Geography tutor Tim offers some great advice and free resources to any Geography students who will be continuing their GCSE or A-Level studies at home. Sticking to a routine and following the syllabus will keep you on track!
AuthorTimothyRead2 minutes
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