This intensive five‑day course prepares high‑performing Year 11 students for success in their final GCSE English Language and Literature examinations. The course will cover the full range of texts and skills required for GCSE, including English language, and focus on areas that typically challenge even the most able students. We will use worked exemplars, model responses and timed practice, amongst other aspects, to develop a mastery of the key areas of response – developing sophisticated interpretations of prose, poetry, drama and unseen texts; understand the difference between different forms and what exam boards are really looking for; and how to put together a perceptive and well-structured argument supported by precise textual evidence in timed conditions.

On the Language side we will look carefully at the longer mark exam questions, work on overall timing and exam techniques, and look at directed writing responses, to ensure students can adapt style, register and purpose with confidence. By the end of the course all students should have sharper critical insight, a better understanding of what examiners will reward, and a reliable toolkit of strategies to excel under exam conditions and achieve top grades.