A Guide to A Level English Courses

A Guide to A Level English Courses Why Study English at A Level? ChaptersA Level English LiteratureEnglish Language A LevelA Level English Past PapersExam Timetables/Grading for English A LevelA Level English Courses For AdultsYou may be asking yourself why English as a subject is so important; what more can you possibly learn about the UK’s primary language after speaking it fluently as a result of growing up in Britain or by learning it at school for all of those years? More importantly, why choose it as one of your A Level choices when there is a diverse range of subjects on offer?Learning English: A Core Skill For BusinessEnglish is a core subject up to GCSE level in the United Kingdom, and with good reason. The majority of employers in the UK will require candidates to display at least a pass in English and Mathematics as an indication of their overall academic competency, with their English result being a good indicator of their ability to communicate well.A proficient English speaker will open themselves up to far more opportunities for w ork abroad, since the language is widely spoken across the globe and is particularly important in business.Find a GCSE English tutor on Superprof.English: An important language in business. Photo via VisualHunt.comNot only is a good acquisition of English vital in the international workplace, other countries in Europe and beyond see the English language as an authoritative language, which makes a solid grasp of the rules of English all the more powerful.By obtaining a better understanding of its make up â€" including spelling, punctuation, grammar and sentence construction - you may also find it easier to learn foreign languages by applying the same rules.Looking for an English tutor in London?What Skills Can You Expect To Develop By Studying English?So, why focus your efforts on English Literature? Studying literary texts helps you to sharpen your observatory and analytical skills. Being able to identify themes and connect them with historical events and cultural influences opens y our mind up to complex ideas and theories.Moreover, English Literature can be like five lessons in one, teaching you about History, Culture and Philosophy, whilst highlighting behavioural changes in humans from one century to another.A Level English Language, whether being taught at college or as a distance-learning course, ultimately helps to develop a student’s ability to understand, speak and write in English for a variety of purposes. Literature-based courses additionally encourage students to engage with a range of texts whilst analysing complex varieties in language across the times.Coursework and exam grades from your first year of study may not count towards your final result, however they will still be determining factors in your predicted grades.Exam Boards Assessing English LiteratureThe principal exam boards that assess English Literature at A Level are AQA, Edexcel and OCR, meanwhile Eduqas and WJEC are also popular choices in some schools and colleges across the coun try.Each board has a slightly different approach to assessment yet they share a common purpose - to encourage wide reading and to develop the student’s love of English Literature.Career Opportunities For English Literature GraduatesBecome a writer or blogger. Photo via VisualHunt.comThough many believe that studying English Literature only lends itself to a teaching profession, the subject does in fact open up a vast range of career opportunities.Aside from the obvious links to professions in teaching and writing, English graduates can apply the skills they have acquired to any position that requires analytical thinking, strong communication or imagination and creativity.English Language A LevelAn Introduction to A Level English LanguageStudying towards an A Level in English Language enables you to get a better grasp of what is known as the number one business language. The course will help you to convey your thoughts and opinions concisely and allow you to distinguish subtleties in speech and writing.Being a native or fluent English speaker does not make you an expert in the language; throughout your course you will identify the ways in which language changes according to audience, context and the user’s intent.In addition, you will learn about the development of the English language over time, different dialects, how children learn to speak English and, finally, you will develop your own writing skills.English Language A Level Course ContentThough courses vary from one exam board to another, the core topics and themes will have similarities no matter which you are enrolled on. These may include the study of Spoken English, Identity, Language and Gender, Early Child Acquisition, Language and Diversity, Reading and Writing, and many more.You will ultimately discover language during the course, including the ways in which it can be used plus different methods of interaction, not forgetting the investigation of linguistic variations and historical changes.Ty pical Workload For English Language A LevelUnlike A Level English Literature, English Language students are not required to carry out extensive reading, but they are expected to get to grips with some advanced linguistic terminology in order to achieve the higher grades.Secondary reading is always recommended to help you expand your vocabulary of terminology and also to put you in a better position to participate in analytical discussions and debates, whether assessed or not.Exam Boards Assessing English LanguageEdexcel, OCR and WJEC are once again the predominant exam boards chosen by mainstream schools and colleges in the UK. Despite the syllabi all showing similarities in content, students may notice disparities when it comes to assessment, as all three adopt differing exam and coursework marking schemes. What you can be sure of is that all exams will incorporate the knowledge you have accumulated during the course of your AS year, as well as your more recent A Level modules.Care er Opportunities For English Language GraduatesAn A Level in English Language is a great asset to any individual looking to study English at university and/or hoping to pursue a career which involves verbal or written communication.The qualification is key to many professions, including Journalist, Writer, Blogger, Editor, Translator, Teacher, Linguist and Publisher.On the other hand, the skills acquired will also benefit a range of jobs in other industries, since language and communication skills are essential to many roles. Far from limiting your choices in the future, English Language offers you many options.Revision Guides For Different Exam BoardsRevision guides, along with past papers, can be found on most exam board websites. Be sure to consult your own exam board though, as the marking scheme will differ from one board to the next meaning that revision tips may diverge.The AQA website, as an example, has a dedicated online resource centre, however official revision guides pu blished in conjunction with the exam board can be bought from shops like Amazon.Where To Find Online Revision Help For English A LevelAs an English pupil, you may be accustomed to reading books as part of your revision. However, some of the best revision help for English exams can be found online.Student discussion boards are a great way to discover fresh ideas and opinions concerning your chosen texts, and it may additionally help for AS students to get advice from peers working towards their final A Level exams.As well as online forums, English students can find helpful revision tips across a range of educational sites. These websites are often set up by or created in conjunction with teaching professionals with experience of the latest syllabi.Exam Timetables/Grading for English A LevelFind A Level English Exam TimetablesProvisional timetables, including those for English Language and Literature, will be given to your teacher or English tutors in advance, along with any other imp ortant dates. Final exam timetables will later be confirmed, highlighting any major amendments.Students may also consult the exam board for assessment-related queries, including exam duration and regulations for candidates. OCR, for instance, lists all of its exams and the dates on which they will be carried out in .pdf format via its website.It is imperative that you know exactly where you need to be, on what date and at what time when taking exams.If you are late for your A Level exam for any reason, you risk being forbidden to take part in the assessment. This could well affect your final grade. If you intend to travel to your exam centre by car or public transport, ensure that you leave in plenty of time to reduce the risk of being caught up in traffic.Equally, if you plan to walk, practise your route the day before so that you are confident in how long your journey takes. The worry of arriving late is the last thing you need on the day of your exam!What Do English A Level Grade s Mean?A Level results are awarded differently to GCSEs. At this higher level, anything above an ‘E’ grade is classed as a pass, with the newly introduced ‘A*’ being the highest achievement. Each grade is subsequently equivalent to a certain number of points, which is relevant to those considering a university degree.To find out the minimum grade you need for your desired course and how many UCAS points you require, you can consult the body’s website which offers more information for prospective students.At one time, your AS Level year counted towards your final grade, which seems a good idea since there are less distractions and fewer reasons to feel stressed. Now, however, exams are the preferred method of assessment for A Levels.On the other hand, students should bear in mind that universities will still see their AS grades, and those results will have been used by tutors to predict their final grade (which, as you know, is what universities base their offers on).How Is English A Level Marked?As we now know, to pass your A Level you will need to achieve a grade in the region of ‘A*’ - ‘E’ (an ‘Unclassified’ or ‘U’ grade unfortunately means that you have failed the course). But how are these grades worked out to reveal your final qualification in the subject? Do certain modules count for more than others? These are questions that you should be asking your teacher or tutor. In the unlikely event that they cannot help with your queries, you should consult your exam board to find out about their assessment methods.The majority of exams follow a Uniform Mark Scale (UMS), which defines grade boundaries for A Level subjects. An average UMS mark of 90% across all A2 modules results in an ‘A*’. Meanwhile, 80%+ is an ‘A’, 70-79% is a ’B’, 60-69% is a ‘C’, 50-59% awards a ‘D’ grade and, finally, 40-49% is the equivalent of an ‘E’. Anything below 40% is deemed off the pass scale and will result in course failure.As you can see, it is vital that you achieve good grades in all modules to keep your average score up. Those who excel in certain areas but struggle in others might find that their weaknesses bring their overall grade down. The importance of knowing your mark scheme can therefore not be reiterated enough.A Level English Courses For AdultsStudying English at A Level is no different for older students; they too are encouraged to read widely and develop a love for English Language and Literature. Colleges across the UK offer opportunities for enrolment, but if it is a distance course you require then your best bet is to research and consult an Open Study establishment of your choice.English A Level courses for adults. Photo via VisualHuntCourses vary in price however most course leaders are up front about the financial requirements of enrolment. You may be required to submit your existing qualifications, to check that you qualify for the course.How To Independently Enrol On English A Level Co ursesMature students are able to enrol on English A Level Courses by funding an online course or by paying for tuition at an independent college.If you are completing a distance-learning course, you will more than likely be required to arrange and pay for your examinations at an approved centre, a list of which is normally provided by your personal tutor. It is possible to take the A Level exam without receiving mentoring yet this is discouraged as tutors are trained to guide you through the course and help you to work towards your desired grade.The Benefits of An English A Level For AdultsA good English A Level result is essential for those looking to further their studies in the subject, for instance if enrolling on a degree course linked to English. However, an A Level can also be a very valuable qualification if you are looking to progress in your current employment or retrain for a new career path.Furthermore, many adults choose to re-sit their secondary education exams for the ir own personal achievement or gratitude. Regardless of your reasons, an English course is guaranteed to make you think and feel things in different ways than before.

Teacher Spotlight Finding Music Inspiration

Teacher Spotlight Finding Music Inspiration Suzy S. Music inspiration can come from anywhere, even if it doesnt seem conventional traveling, or even exposing yourself to new experiences in your own city can give you a fresh attitude toward creating, learning and teaching. Read on as New York City music teacher Jesse S. shares how a trip to Brazil changed his outlook In the winter of 2008, after playing a concert at Juilliard, I was asked by a cellist in the orchestra if I wanted to go to Brazil that upcoming spring break.   Without even thinking about it, I said yes.   I then realized that I should probably ask what we would be doing in Brazil. Annie, the cellist, knew a conductor in Salvador, Brazil who had started a youth orchestral program called Neojiba.     The conductor and founder of Neojiba, Ricardo Castro, had invited Annie and other musicians from Juilliard to fly down to Brazil during spring break and spend a week working with the students in the youth orchestra.   Neojiba is an amazing program provides instruments and musical training free to low-income youth.   The students range in age from early teens to early 20s. That following March, on a freezing blizzardy day, nine of us boarded a plane headed for Brazil.   After being picked up at the airport, where it was over 90 degrees and thick with humidity, we headed to our amazing hotel, which overlooked the Atlantic Ocean.   We then walked to the Castro Alves Theater to hear the orchestra rehearsal and meet our students for the first time.   Before going to Salvador we were told that most of the students spoke English very well, and there should not be a problem regarding language.   This turned out to be false. As a teacher, this week turned out to be the most amazing musical experience of my life.   The language barrier tested my ability to teach without verbal communication.   I grew as both a teacher and a player in ways I didn’t think I was going to.   Despite not knowing much about classical music, these students had Brazilian music coursing through their veins.   I tried to channel that amazing, effervescent rhythm and energy to Mozart and Beethoven, and they in turn showed me how to bring exciting new life and energy to my classical repertoire.   I was experiencing a true cultural exchange. Although I thought I was going to Brazil to teach, I was the one who became the student.   The students in Neojiba taught me so much.  They showed me true hard work.   After a full day of school, some traveled up to two hours to go to rehearsal every day.   This completely blew my mind.   They taught me a kind of music I had previously not been exposed to.   They showed me passion. The following year we returned to Brazil.   The orchestra had completely transformed.   They were playing beautifully and preparing for an upcoming tour.   I felt I was there more as a fan and observer than a teacher, cheering on a group of amazing musicians and people who had welcomed us into their homes and showed us love.   In Portuguese “iluminado” means enlightened, I can’t find any better words to describe my experience. Like this post? Dont miss out on any of our tips, tricks and advice! Sign up for a free email subscription and get updates right to your inbox! You might also like 4 Inspirational TED Talks for Musicians Jumpstarting Your Music Career: 5 Tips Nobody Talks About How to Be a Rock Star: Learn the Rules Before You Break Them Jesse S. teaches flute, piano and music theory lessons to students of all ages in New York, NY. With a Masters degree in Flute Performance from The Juilliard School, Jesse has several years of experience performing and teaching. He joined the TakeLessons team in November 2012. Find out more about Jesse,   or search for a teacher near you! Photo by Mosman Council

Heart Math Tutoring Kicks Off Spring Funding Initiative - Heart Math Tutoring

Heart Math Tutoring Kicks Off Spring Funding Initiative - Heart Math Tutoring Heart Math Tutoring Kicks Off Spring Funding Initiative Heart Math Tutoring Kicks Off Spring Funding Initiative March 22, 2017 Heart Math Tutoring kicks off its spring funding initiative today with a boost from The Leon Levine Foundation, who has awarded Heart a $350,000 capacity-building grant! The grant is payable over three years as Heart offers one-on-one tutoring to more students, scales its work, and becomes more sustainable. $130,000 of the grant goes towards Heart’s current funding initiative, which seeks $880K to partner with 18 schools in the 2017/18 school year. This funding would mean that over 900 students will be matched with one-on-one tutors and will build needed skills and confidence. “We are proud of what our volunteers and donors are accomplishing for Charlotte students, particularly in growing Heart’s reach while student outcomes are also increasing,” says executive director Emily Elliott. “We invite the community to join our fundraising effort to ensure all students build the strong foundation in math and enthusiasm for academics needed for long-term success.” Read the full press release here, and see more about Heart’s funding progress here. To become a weekly volunteer tutor with Heart, read FAQs and sign up! Heart provides a structured curriculum and a coordinator on-site to make the experience positive and successful. Email uehrti to discuss further. To make a donation in Heart’s spring funding initiative, mail a check to “Heart Math Tutoring, PO Box 30623, Charlotte NC 28230” or donate online at www.hearttutoring.org/donate.

Top 5 Online English Pronunciation Resources

Top 5 Online English Pronunciation Resources If youre not living in a country that speaks English, learning to properly pronounce English can be difficult. Like all languages, English contains some sounds that may not exist at all in your language. Not only will you have to learn to pronounce these sounds, but youll have to learn to hear them as well.Below are my 5 favorite online English pronunciation resources that will help you with anatomical demonstrations, audio and much more. We also recommend taking classes with our native English speaking teachers. Click here to register for a free trial class.5. The Poetry Foundation is one of my favorite things to show my students for general English learning, and for pronunciation practice. I like to use poems in my classes to help my students learn English pronunciation because great poems have a focus on the sound of the English language. But the Poetry Foundations website also offers free mp3s of many of the poems being read by the authors. Heres one of my favorites, by Robert Fr ost.4. ManyThings.org offers great practice using minimal pairs. This is a pair of words that are almost exactly the same, but differ by one sound. Studying them is a great way for students to learn to distinguish and pronounce sounds that my be difficult for them to separate in a new language. The site offers recordings of the minimal pairs, as well as tests students can take of their ability to distinguish the sounds.3. Rachels English channel on YouTube offers a great series of videos with detailed instructions on American English pronunciation, with explanations of how to move your mouth for particular sounds.2. Here is a great video on YouTube for learning the American English accent ??1. The University of Iowa has a very ambitious project on its website here that allows you to choose specific sounds from the English language, and watch videos of them demonstrated by animations that show what happens inside the mouth when the sounds are formed, video showing an English speakers mouth as she says the words, and audio. Its a great resource for very focused work on your English pronunciation.Thanks! Please let us know if you have any more great resources to add to the list. Mother Hi,let me suggest you a simple chrome extension which helps you while reading english web articles, it is calledHow Do You Sayjust highlighting a word you can hear the correct pronunciation, from my point of view it is perfect to improve pronunciation hope for you too!bye! Ext Heres a video-based pronunciation site to learn how to pronounce English words:http://www.embedplus.com/dictionary/how-to-pronounce-words-and-use-them.aspx LOIEnglish Seems like a very promising tool!

5 tips for stress-free homework

5 tips for stress-free homework Homework is one of those things that children hate and parents seem to dread. It can be the cause of family arguments and anxiety in those faced with it. But homework doesn't have to be full of stress. With a well-planned after school routine and a few of our simple tips, you can turn homework into something natural and a time for some extra learning whilst giving your children a sense of accomplishment. 1. Have a daily homework routine Homework should very much be part of a normal daily routine, much like making sure your children brush their teeth, have their supper and have a standard bed-time. If you incorporate homework into your child's daily routine, it will no longer be seen as a chore but something that they naturally do everyday. Having a homework calendar is a great idea. Many children have different after school activities at different times during the after-school day. Having a calendar that highlights the time each day your child should be doing their homework will help them get organised; all children feel more settled when they have a routine. Children should have a break when they first get home from school or an after-school club, before delving into more school-work. Allow your child to have their snack or even their dinner and then have a time where they can sit and do their homework. Other activities such as watching television or playing on a mobile device should be saved for after their homework is completed so that they are aware that study comes before play time. 2. Be helpful but don't do it for them There will be many times when your child will need some guidance when it comes to doing their homework. Always have a positive attitude and try to explain difficult problems without giving them the answer. Believing that your child is capable of completing difficult tasks will ensure that they believe they can do it too. Encourage your child to do their own research, guiding them along the way if necessary. Give examples where possible and tell them stories that are significant to their work to give them some ideas. Go through any mistakes they may have made and practice problems with them until you are sure they have understood whilst always encouraging them to discover the answers for themselves. 3. Allow breaks when needed Children should not be expected to sit for long periods of time without taking a brain break. We all know that both adults and children have a certain concentration span and taking a break when needed is of vital importance to their study time. If your child has a lot of homework in one evening try breaking it up and allowing them a snack or a ten-minute time-out in between. Children generally come home hungry from school so having a snack prepared for them or even a full dinner can mean an easier and smoother afternoon. Try to avoid too much sugar in their snacks as this can cause a mood crash a short while later. Instead go for healthy fruit or yoghurt snacks. If your child doesn't need a snack but needs a break you could always just have a chat and a good laugh together, have a bit of fun doing some silly exercises like star-jumps or play a quick game together to reduce the stress and give your child some extra energy. 4. Have a homework station Making sure your child has their own private place where they can sit and do their homework without being distracted is also extremely important. A child that sometimes does their homework on the kitchen table or on their bedroom floor will not feel comfortable and homework will almost certainly feel like a chore. If, however, your child has a regular homework station they will feel better about the work they are faced with and it will help them get into a better routine. A homework station can be a desk in their room or a study and should feel like a place where homework can be done comfortably. Homework stations should be stocked with any necessary tools for their various homework assignments, such as dictionaries, pens, pencils, notebooks, rulers, glue, highlighter pens, scissors etc. That way your child will not have to keep leaving their desk to go and find things that they need. It is a great way to make sure homework is done in a shorter space of time whilst making your child feel comfortable. 5. Keep distractions away Distractions of any sort can be the cause of homework stress and delays. Making sure your child does not have access to any mobile devices, loud televisions or noisy siblings will take away any temptations to stop doing their work and ensure they have the quiet they need to complete their work well. To Conclude Homework may not always be something fun but it does not have to be a chore or the cause of continuous arguments. Following our simple tips will ensure that homework becomes part of your child's daily routine and something that they no longer dread. Make sure you always praise your child for their efforts and be there to support them when they need some help and homework will become a normal part of their day.

Holiday traditions from around the world

Holiday traditions from around the world It’s an exciting time of the year in countries all over the world. Here are some unique seasonal traditions teachers in Japan, Scandinavia, and, Kazakhstan will get to enjoy over the holiday season. The Japanese New Year Kadomatsu Teaching in Japan allows the opportunity to witness the Japanese New Year celebrations. The Japanese are always enthusiastic to welcome a new year. Amidst the celebration and decor is an interesting and unique decoration called the kadomatsu. It appears from after Christmas Day through the first week of July. The kadomatsu is always presented in a pair at the entryway to a building or space; one is placed on either side of the entrance. They’re made from pine and bamboo and are placed to welcome the spirits of the harvest. The Scandinavian Yuletide Log You’re likely familiar with the presence of the yuletide log (in person, on TV, and as a nickname for a popular seasonal dessert) as well as the symbol of the fireplace during the holiday season. But what you might not know is that the this tradition originated from the Scandinavian countries of northern Europe. The tradition of ensuring a fire was lit began as a way to maintain light during the darkest days of the year - in one of the darkest places in the world. Originally, Scandinavians burned whole trees! Now, a holiday log in the fireplace is common in many countries around the world. The Kazakh Snow Father Like the Japanese, the people of Kazakhstan thoroughly enjoy celebrating the beginning of a new year. Celebrations begin near the beginning of December and build as the month approaches the 1st of January. Instead of celebrating Christmas, emphasis is all on New Year’s Eve and New Year's Day, but there are some familiarities to western society’s Christmas: there’s a New Year’s Tree as well as a Snow Father (who resembles Santa Claus) and a Snow Maiden who deliver New Year’s presents to children. Even better, Kazakhstan is almost always a snowy winter wonderland during the holiday season!

3 Ways to Get Healthy in the New Year

3 Ways to Get Healthy in the New Year (Image via pexels.com) 1. Drink more water. You probably hear this one all the time, but that doesn’t make it any less important. Staying hydrated is one of the most basic, key steps towards leading a healthier lifestyle. One way to make sure you drink enough water is to set a goal for yourself. Everyone has heard, “Drink 6-8 glasses a day,” and while not everyone may need to follow that rule exactly, it’s a good marker for keeping track of how much you drink on a daily basis. To remind yourself and encourage regular water drinking habits, bring a water bottle wherever you go. (Carrying around your own washable, reusable bottle, rather than constantly buying plastic water bottles from the store, is also less expensive and more eco-friendly.) Whether you’re at work, in class, at the gym, or just heading out for a stroll, having water nearby will constantly remind you to rehydrate yourself. Plus, water is a much cheaper and healthier alternative to other drinks such as soda, juice, or coffee. (Image via pexels.com) 2. Meal prep. Of course, we’re all college students and are usually pretty short on time, but we could perhaps spare an hour here and there to make sure we’re getting proper nutrients. Instead of always eating in the dining halls or going out to restaurants, you can buy groceries and prepare your own food a move that will benefit not only your health, but your wallet as well. Taking the time to go to the supermarket, pick out the food you want, and prepare it in your kitchen (if you live at home, in an apartment, or even in a dorm with a kitchen) can do wonders for your eating habits. You’ll have more control over what you eat, as you won’t be blindly eating something that’s been prepared by someone else. You can consciously choose to include more fruits and vegetables in your diet, and you can prepare your food the way you want to. Although occasionally shopping for your own groceries may be an extra expense if you have a pre-paid meal plan at school, an investment in your health is never wasted. (Image via pexels.com) 3. Schedule time to exercise. Not everyone enjoys exercising, and not all kinds of exercise are suitable for everyone, but we should all make an effort to exercise in some capacity. For those of you who already exercise regularly, create a schedule you’ll realistically be able to stick to once the busy spring semester rolls around. For those of you who are novices at working out, creating a reliable schedule is also a good idea, although you may want to start out slow at first. If you are fairly self-disciplined and can get yourself to the gym on a regular basis, that’s a great start. However, if you need a little extra motivation, you can also ask some of your friends to come with you or sign up for an exercise class at either a local gym or your college’s gym (some colleges offer free workout classes). The best thing about creating your own workout schedule is that you can choose what works best for you in order to achieve your personal goals and interests. Depending on whether you’re trying to lose weight, build muscle, or simply maintain a healthier exercise routine in the new year, you can decide for yourself what is most effective. If you enjoy cardio, spend some time on the treadmill or stationary bike … and if you find that boring after a while, you can switch things up a bit by walking, going for a run, or biking around your campus or in a nearby neighborhood. On the other hand, if you prefer lifting weights, spend some time in the gym pumping some iron. (If you’re just starting out, go easy on the weights at first so you can safely and gradually build up to heavier weight.) Ultimately, do what will make you happier and healthier in 2018!