Speech Ready and Summer Steady

Published on 11 July 2025 at 07:00

We’re incredibly grateful to the families who have already secured their sessions with us for the 2025/26 academic year. We are now down to our final 4 English tuition spaces and they’re likely to be filled very soon! If you’re considering tuition with us but haven’t yet booked, we’d encourage you (or any friends/family you know) not to wait. We really don’t like turning students away due to being at capacity.

Our Maths tuition offer, launching this September, still has a selection of slots available. These are ideal for students wanting structured, one-to-one guidance as they build their skills and confidence in numeracy.

Spotlight on Key Stage 3: Energy, Ideas and Transitions

Our Key Stage 3 learners are absolutely flying right now, especially as they prepare to move into their new year groups, facing new challenges. Their willingness to adapt, try new techniques and ask curious questions has been inspiring.

In Years 7 and 8, we’ve launched into a lively and thoughtful exploration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), looking at its pros and cons as students begin to shape persuasive “writing to argue” texts. From ethical questions to futuristic scenarios, it’s been a brilliant way to develop clarity and voice.

Our Year 9s are now stepping confidently toward GCSE territory, continuing their exploration of AQA Language Paper 1. We’ve been focusing particularly on Questions 3 and 4 and developed skills in structural analysis and critical interpretation, which are essential stepping stones for what’s ahead.

Speeches in the Spotlight: Year 10 Get Vocal!

Many of our Year 10 students are diving into one of the most creative and confidence-building parts of the GCSE course: the AQA Spoken Language Endorsement.

This non-exam assessment asks students to write and deliver a speech on a topic of their choice, showcasing their ability to speak persuasively and with control. It’s a wonderful opportunity to explore passions, build public speaking skills and to step outside the exam hall mindset.

We are thoroughly enjoying listening to our tutees presentations and are keen to support them through the writing, refining and rehearsal phases of the task.

Bradley’s Top Tips for Spoken Language Success:

  1. Start strong and craft an opening that hooks!
    Whether it’s a striking fact, a bold statement or a thought-provoking question, the first 10 seconds of your speech count more than you think. Grab attention early and don’t let it go.

  2. Let your personality shine through
    This isn’t about memorising an essay. Speak like yourself, with conviction and expression, and your message will land much more powerfully.

Mental Health in the Spotlight

Public speaking can feel daunting and that’s perfectly normal. Here are a few techniques we use with our students to ease nerves and foster confidence:

  • Practice out loud in low-stakes settings: Try rehearsing in front of a mirror, your pet or a family member who cheers you on.

  • Reframe your nerves: Remind yourself that feeling nervous is a sign that you care and that’s a strength, not a weakness.

  • Posture and pauses: Stand tall and pause often. It gives you time to breathe and your listener time to reflect.

Summer Edge Package: Stay Ahead and Stay Confident

If you’re looking for structured, yet flexible support during the summer holidays, our Summer Edge BA English Tuition Package is the perfect fit. ☀️📚

This unique offer includes:

  • 4 one-to-one tuition slots throughout the summer, at a heavily discounted price per session.

  • Personalised content based on your starting point.

  • Marked assessments and actionable feedback.

Whether you’re transitioning into a new key stage or simply want to keep your learning skills sharp, this is the ideal way to stay connected to your learning journey.

📞 Want to learn more? Click HERE to book in a phone call with us. We’d love to chat about how it could work for you and your child.

Life Outside the Books

This week brought us splashing success as Arlo began his swimming lessons! While the concept of kicking hands and feet simultaneously is still under review, we’re proud of his bravery and determination. Bradley and Jemma have enjoyed their latest screen binge, with Mobland on Paramount+ keeping them hooked through every twist and turn. Department Q on Netflix is already lined up for their next TV fix. Our highlight of the week, though? A trip to Westfield, where Arlo fulfilled a lifelong dream of driving a car (well, a mini one at least). We’re recharged, refreshed and ready for another fun week of learning, laughter and language. The summer holidays are in sight...

Remember to stay focused and to stay BA...Tuition!

Add comment

Comments

There are no comments yet.