On 21 April 2024 the first cohort of students on the AQA GCSE English Programme graduated. It feels fantastic to take two groups through the cycle of an entire course.
Students commented that the balance of a live lesson, an online course and help at hand was “incredibly effective.” I marked numerous pieces of work, fed back by creating bespoke Vimeo videos for each student, and answered a range of questions on everything from subject terminology to what constitutes ‘perceptive and insightful.’
Parents too have reported “some great improvement.” It’s lovely to read emails saying “she’s getting her confidence back at last,” and another: “not only have his essay marks improved, he is really enjoying English again.”
Of course, the proof will be in the pudding when the students sit their exams this summer, but with a full complement of GCSE materials to take away with them, I feel the 12 week course has given them the best possible chance, and I’m confident that this approach works well for students who feel able to commit 2-3 hours per week for 3 months. A short term commitment for big gains.
Good luck to my first group!