The Saturday School runs every week during term time. Parents may choose one of the two time slots for their child. Both groups cover the same programme in the same order, so no content is missed whichever time slot is chosen.

Important: Each group is limited to 6 students maximum, so spaces are subject to availability. Once a place is confirmed in either the 11:00–12:15 group or the 12:15–13:30 group, students will remain in that group for the year to ensure consistency. This structure allows flexibility for families while keeping the learning experience small, focused, and personal.

Each 75-minute lesson is divided into two parts, designed to challenge, inspire, and prepare students for their GCSE English exams while deepening their knowledge of Black British and Caribbean history.

1. Black British & Caribbean History Focus

Every week, students explore a carefully chosen case study highlighting key people, events, and movements. These lessons bring to life both local Black British experiences and wider Caribbean histories that have shaped Britain today.

Examples of topics include:

•  Black Tudors in Elizabethan England — uncovering the hidden stories of Africans in Tudor courts and households.
•  Mary Seacole and 19th-Century Nursing — comparing her work to Florence Nightingale and discussing why her contribution was overlooked.
•  The Windrush Generation — journeys from the Caribbean to Britain, and how migrants shaped the NHS, London Transport, and British culture.
•  The Bristol Bus Boycott (1963) — resistance to the “colour bar” in employment.
•  Claudia Jones and Notting Hill Carnival — activism, protest, and cultural celebration.
•  Black Britons in WWI & WWII — contributions, sacrifices, and the struggle for recognition.
•  The Stephen Lawrence Case (1993) — law reform, justice, and racism in modern Britain.
•  Black British Culture Today — exploring music, literature, sport, and everyday language.

Through these case studies, students don’t just learn facts. They analyse sources, testimonies, and historical texts — skills that directly prepare them for their English exams.

2. GCSE English Language Skills

Alongside history, students actively practise exam skills for the AQA GCSE English Language Papers 1 & 2. Each history case study is paired with an exam-style task, so students learn English through history:

•  Paper 1 (Creative Reading & Writing): Analysing extracts for language and structure; developing descriptive and narrative writing inspired by historical settings.Example: Exploring Claudia Jones and Notting Hill Carnival → practice Paper 1, Q5 descriptive writing about a vibrant cultural event.
•  Paper 2 (Writers’ Viewpoints & Perspectives): Comparing perspectives in historical and modern non-fiction sources; writing persuasively and transactionally about themes of justice, migration, or culture.Example: Studying the Bristol Bus Boycott → practice Paper 2, Q4 comparison using historical newspaper reports vs. modern commentary.

Each lesson ends with a clear exam-skill takeaway, ensuring students can see how history deepens their understanding of English — and how English skills allow them to think critically about history.

Why This Approach Matters

By the end of the year, students will:

• Gain a stronger command of English Language skills through constant practice in reading, analysis, comparison, and writing.
• Be better prepared for their AQA GCSE exams with weekly exam-style practice integrated into lessons.
• Develop a rich understanding of Black British and Caribbean history, building pride, awareness, and cultural literacy.
• Leave with both academic confidence and a deeper appreciation for the stories and struggles that have shaped modern Britain.

Below is the week-by-week programme of lessons for the Saturday School. Each session includes a focused Black British or Caribbean history case study linked directly to an AQA English Language exam skill (Paper 1 or Paper 2). While the sequence has been carefully planned to build knowledge and skills step by step, please note that lessons are subject to change if adjustments are needed to support student progress.

Teaching window: Tue 4 Nov – Fri 19 Dec 2025

No session during Christmas break: Sat 20 & 27 Dec; Sat 3 Jan.

Teaching window: Sat 10 Jan – Sat 28 Mar 2026

No sessions during half-term: Sat 14 & 21 Feb. No sessions during Easter break: Sat 4 Apr, Sat 11 Apr, Sat 18 Apr.

Teaching window: Sat 25 Apr – Sat 18 Jul 2026

No sessions during half-term: Sat 23 & Sat 30 May.

What’s Included

•  Weekly 75-minute live lesson (Google Meet).
•  Access to Google Classroom (lesson slides, resources, homework, model answers).
• feedback Weekly homework with detailed feedback.
•  Monthly parent progress updates.
•  Optional enrichment and recommended reading.

The Black Studies Saturday School is charged on a per-session basis at £20.

Each group meets once per week on Saturdays (75 minutes).

Payments are made monthly in advance, covering all lessons for that month. Invoices are sent between the 22nd–24th 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.

Fee Structure

Monthly totals are based on a standard 4-week month.

•  Students in Years 9, 10, or 11 preparing for GCSE English.
•  Learners who want to study real Black history alongside exam preparation.
•  Students who thrive in small, interactive groups.
•  Families who value feedback and accountability.

Complete the registration form below to request a place.

Or email info@mrburkesclassroom.com with any questions.

Once registered, you’ll receive:

• Confirmation of your child’s place
• Google Classroom login details
• Payment instructions
• First lesson information

 Places are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.