Booster Group: English Language
TheĀ Booster GroupsĀ are designed for students who need that extra push in theirĀ GCSE English LanguageĀ preparation. Whether aiming for a secure pass or striving for top grades, these sessions provide the targeted support that schools often donāt have time to cover in depth.
- Focused exclusively on AQA English Language Papers 1 and 2
- Small groups (maximum 6 students)Ā to allow individual attention
- Step-by-step strategiesĀ taught for answering each exam question type
- Designed to supplement school learning,Ā reinforcing and extending what students already study in their main English classes
Each lesson is built around the skills that make the difference in exam performance: from breaking down complex texts and analysing language, to planning and writing answers with precision under timed conditions.
The Booster Groups are ideal for:
- Students in Years 10 and 11 preparing forĀ AQA GCSE English Language
- Learners working atĀ grades 3ā5Ā who want to secure a pass
- Learners working atĀ grades 6ā8Ā who want to push into the highest bands
- Families who want structured, focused small-group support that mirrors one-to-one tutoring but at an affordable costĀ
- Students who may lack confidence, struggle with timing, or need extra practice withĀ exam strategies and feedback
Day | Time | Group | Target |
Monday | 20:30 ā 21:45 | Booster Group 1 | Grades 3ā5 (Targeting Secure Passes) |
Wednesday | 20:30 ā 21:45 | Booster Group 2 | Grades 6ā8 (Targeting Top Grades) |
Thursday | 20:30 ā 21:45 | Joint Focus Session | All Grades (Mixed Technique & Q&A) |
Ā Students should join the group that matches their current working grade.Ā Both groups follow the same structure but are differentiated to the ability level of the learners.
Spaces are capped atĀ 6 students per group.
Students are placed into Booster Groups based on their most recentĀ mock exam resultsĀ and theirĀ current working gradeĀ reported by school.
- If a student does not have a recent mock result or a clear working grade, Mr Burke will issue a short placement testĀ to determine the most suitable group.
- Placement is not fixed. Groups may change over time depending on progression, compatibility, and confidence, ensuring each student is always learning at the right level.
The goal is to make sure every student is challenged appropriately, whether they are securing a pass (Grades 3ā5) or pushing towards top-band achievement (Grades 6ā8).
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What Happens in the Booster Groups š§
Each 75-minute session is carefully structured into four strands:
- Work through real exam-style questions from AQA Papers 1 and 2
- Learn proven methods to plan and structure answers effectively
- Timed practice to build speed, accuracy, and exam stamina
- Explore how writers use language and structure for effect
- Build confidence in analysing texts independently
- Practise comparing perspectives across two different texts
- Develop descriptive and narrative writing skills (Paper 1 Q5)
- Strengthen persuasive, argumentative, and transactional writing (Paper 2 Q5)
- Expand vocabulary, improve sentence control, and sharpen clarity of expression
- Weekly personalised feedback on written responses
- Clear, practical targets set each session to guide improvement
- Opportunities to redraft and refine work for progress tracking
| Skills Covered |
|---|
| Analysing language and structure (Paper 1 Q2āQ3) |
| Writing evaluative responses (Paper 1 Q4) |
| Creative/descriptive writing (Paper 1 Q5) |
| Summarising and comparing (Paper 2 Q1āQ2) |
| Analysing non-fiction language (Paper 2 Q3) |
| Comparing viewpoints and perspectives (Paper 2 Q4) |
| Writing to argue, persuade, and inform (Paper 2 Q5) |
| Building timing, planning, and organisation for exam success |
The GCSE English Language Booster Groups are charged on a per-session basis atĀ Ā£20.
- Each group runsĀ once per weekĀ (75 minutes).
- Payments are madeĀ monthly in advance, covering all lessons for that month.
- Invoices are sent between the 22ndā24th of the previous month and must be paid by the 1st of the new month.
- Fees are adjusted if the month is longer or shorter due to holidays or half-terms.
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Fee Structure:
| Group Type | Cost per Lesson | Typical Monthly Cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Booster Group Lesson | Ā£20 | ~Ā£80Ā (4 lessons) |
*Monthly totals are based on a standard 4-week month.
The GCSE English Language Booster Groups run weekly sessions that follow a structured plan across the academic year. Each week is carefully designed to target specific skills fromĀ AQA English Language Paper 1Ā (Creative Reading & Writing) andĀ Paper 2Ā (Writersā Viewpoints & Perspectives).
Lessons are differentiated by student level:
- Grades 3ā5Ā groups focus on building secure exam technique, structured writing, and confidence in answering questions step by step.
- Grades 6ā8Ā groups focus on stretching critical evaluation, developing sophisticated writing, and achieving top-band marks.
All lessons are delivered inĀ small groups of up to 6 students, ensuring personal feedback and tailored support.
Homework is compulsory:Ā students complete two tasks per week, usually one reading/analysis activity and one extended writing task. This keeps progress consistent between sessions and ensures that class time is used to refine and extend skills.
The schedule below shows the week-by-week focus for the Booster Groups, aligned with term dates and leading directly into the final AQA English Language exams in MayāJune 2026.
Autumn Term 2025 (6 teaching weeks)Ā 
Teaching window: Tue 4 Nov ā Fri 19 Dec 2025
Break: No sessions Sat 20 Dec ā Fri 9 Jan (Christmas Holidays)Ā 
| Week (WC) | Focus | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| 4 Nov | Introduction & Paper 1 overview | Understand the exam format, question types, and expectations. |
| 10 Nov | Paper 1 Q1āQ2 | Retrieve/select information and analyse language choices with evidence. |
| 17 Nov | Paper 1 Q3 | Analyse structure in fiction extracts; practise timed responses. |
| 24 Nov | Paper 1 Q4 | Develop evaluation skills (āto what extentā¦?ā). |
| 1 Dec | Paper 1 Q5 ā Descriptive Writing | Use sensory detail, figurative language, and varied sentence structures. |
| 8 Dec | Paper 1 Q5 ā Narrative Writing | Craft effective openings/endings; build atmosphere and character. |
| 15 Dec | Paper 1 Mock Practice | Attempt a full timed Paper 1 with feedback and improvement targets. |
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Teaching window: Mon 12 Jan ā Fri 27 Mar 2026
Breaks: Sat 14 Feb & Sat 21 Feb (February half-term) + no lessons Sat 28 Mar, 4 Apr, 11 Apr (Easter Holidays)Ā 
| Week (WC) | Focus | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| 12 Jan | Paper 2 overview | Understand structure of Paper 2; compare to Paper 1. |
| 19 Jan | Paper 2 Q1āQ2 | Retrieval and summary skills across two texts. |
| 26 Jan | Paper 2 Q3 | Analyse language in non-fiction extracts. |
| 2 Feb | Paper 2 Q4 | Compare viewpoints across two sources effectively. |
| 9 Feb | Paper 2 Q5 ā Persuasive Writing | Learn to write speeches and letters with rhetorical devices. |
| 23 Feb | Paper 2 Q5 ā Transactional Writing | Articles, leaflets, reviews: adapt tone and purpose. |
| 2 Mar | Paper 2 Q3 & Q4 combined | Analytical + comparative timed practice. |
| 9 Mar | Paper 2 Q5 Extended Writing | Timed practice; cohesion and accuracy. |
| 16 Mar | Integrated Paper 1 & 2 | Mixed extracts; practise Q2āQ4 analysis. |
| 23 Mar | Paper 2 Timed Practice | Full Paper 2 mini-mock; feedback and reflection. |
Teaching window: Mon 20 Apr ā Fri 5 Jun 2026
Break: Sat 23 May & Sat 30 May (May Half-Term)
| Week (WC) | Focus | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| 20 Apr | Paper 1 revision | Timed extracts Q1āQ4; refine analysis skills. |
| 27 Apr | Paper 2 revision | Practice Q1āQ5; develop fluency under timed conditions. |
| 4 May | Full Paper 1 Mock | Timed Paper 1 with live feedback. |
| 11 May | Exam Week: Literature Paper 1 (Mon) | Booster focus remains on Language ā targeted P1 skill drills. |
| 18 May | Exam Week: Literature Paper 2 (Tue) + Language Paper 1 (Thu 21 May) | Calm prep: narrative openers, structure analysis, timed sprints. |
| 1 Jun | Final Exam Week: Language Paper 2 (Fri 5 Jun) | Full Paper 2 timed practice; Q5 planning clinic; exam strategy review. |
- The Booster Groups are dedicated exclusively toĀ GCSE English Language (AQA).
- All lessons focus on building the reading, writing, and exam skills needed forĀ Paper 1Ā (Creative Reading & Writing) andĀ Paper 2Ā (Writersā Viewpoints & Perspectives).
- The final teaching session isĀ WC 1 June 2026, in the same week as English Language Paper 2 (Fri 5 Jun 2026).
- Weekly independent exam tasks will also be set to maximise progress and reinforce in-class learning.
- Complete theĀ registration form belowĀ on this page to request a place.
- Or emailĀ info@mrburkesclassroom.comĀ with any questions.Ā
Once registered, you will receive:
- Confirmation of your childās place
- Google Classroom access (resources, homework, feedback)Ā
- Payment instructions
- Lesson start date
Places areĀ limited to 6 per groupĀ and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
š What Happens Now?
š If you are interested in enrolling, please complete the registration form using the link below. The form will ask a few short questions to help us understand your needs and place the student in the most suitable group.
š Once your registration has been submitted, you will receive contact from Mr Burke within 72 hours to arrange a short telephone consultation. This call is an opportunity to discuss your childās needs (or your own, for adult courses), confirm the most appropriate class, and outline the next steps.
ā After the consultation, your place on the course will be confirmed.
š Click here to complete the Registration Form
š§ If you would prefer, you can also contact us directly by email:
info@mrburkesclassroom.com
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