Keystone Tutors Blog
Sign up to our newsletter to be kept up to date about our latest news and offerings.
The GCSE Grading System: A Guide for Parents
Understanding the GCSE grading system is essential for parents supporting their child’s education, especially with the shift from the traditional letter (A*- G) grades to the numerical 9-1 scale. This article, written by Ben, one of Keystone's experienced GCSE tutors, simplifies the grading structure, explains its significance and highlights how GCSE results, along with predicted grades, can impact university applications.
What is the Difference Between IGCSE and GCSE?
For parents and students navigating the UK education system, understanding the differences between IGCSEs and GCSEs is crucial when making an informed decision about which option to choose. Both qualifications have distinct structures, assessment methods and suitability depending on a child's learning style and future aspirations.In this article, Ed Richardson, Managing Director of Keystone Tutors, breaks down the key differences between these two qualifications.
How to Get All 9s in Your GCSEs: Expert Tips for Top Grades
Preparing for exams across so many different GCSE subjects can feel overwhelming. Success at GCSE level starts with a well-structured study plan, consistent revision and mastering exam techniques. Top-performing students focus on understanding the subject material in depth, practicing past papers regularly, and refining their time management skills under exam conditions. In this blog, our GCSE tutors explore essential tips to those students hoping to achieve all 9s in their GCSEs.
Webinar: A Level vs IB (Inc. GCSE vs. IGCSE)
Keystone’s Managing Director, Ed Richardson, was joined by Jenny McGowan, Keystone's Director of Asia, to discuss the similarities and differences between IGCSEs and GCSEs as well as A Levels and the IB. They also covered how students might choose subjects to study at the different levels.
How to get a 9 in GCSE German
Achieving top grades in GCSE German can seem daunting, especially given the language's complexities. Covering grammar, vocabulary and speaking skills, this comprehensive guide provides study techniques and examiner recommendations to ensure you are fully prepared to achieve a 9 in your German GCSE.
How to get a 9 in GCSE Spanish
Attaining a 9 in GCSE Spanish is achievable with the right strategic preparation. In this guide, you'll find techniques to help you excel in your Spanish exams.
GCSE Results Day 2024 - What You Need to Know
GCSE Results Day 2024 is almost upon us (Thursday 22nd August) so we thought it might be helpful to share some top tips to help you to navigate the day.
How to get a 9 in GCSE English Literature
How hard is it to get a 9 in GCSE English Literature? It is hard to get a 9 in English Literature and even talented students need to be on top of their game to gain the very highest level in this subject. But it is possible. Part of being successful is cultural and part of it is practical. The successful student of English Literature immerses themselves not just in the texts of the course but in books and reading more generally.
How to approach Shakespeare passages at GCSE
Shakespeare’s influence is everywhere. In fact, it’s so embedded in the English speaking world that it’s hard to see where it begins or ends. Firstly, there are the words, all 1,700 of them. And not just words like ‘congreeted’ and ‘coppernose’. Some of the most common words in English were first used by Shakespeare: ‘bedroom’, for instance, and ‘eyeball’. Then there are the phrases.
How to Write a Good GCSE & IGCSE Essay
Non-fiction essay writing is a skill that can sometimes evoke powerful feelings dread in students. This article hopes to provide all students with a solid base of essay writing knowledge to help improve student confidence and skills.The advice in this article has been written to be as applicable to as many subjects as possible. When using this article, be sure to check your Exam Board’s specification for each subject.
How to Get a 9 in GCSE Chemistry
How hard is it to get a 9 in GCSE Chemistry? GCSE Chemistry can be a nerve-wracking subject as it not only involves learning the content, but being able to apply it to experiments and the use of equations. But, getting a 9 is definitely not impossible! Around 15% of students get awarded a 9 at GCSE, with grade boundaries varying each year, fluctuating between requiring around 70-80%. In papers you should be aiming for at least 80%.
How to Get a 9 in GCSE Geography
How hard is it to get a 9 in GCSE Geography? Geography is often misperceived as an “easier”, less academic subject. I think one of the main reasons for this is that it is an interdisciplinary subject. Geography touches on lots of different subject areas (science, economics, politics, sociology etc.) so the depth on knowledge required in each aspect is not to the same level as if you were studying each component subject individually. However, beware of complacency.
How to Get a 9 in GCSE Latin
Key findings from past examiners reports for GCSE Latin Examiners release reports talking about how well students got on in that year’s exams and highlighting common mistakes that were made. Given these examiners are the ones who make the exams, we should probably pay attention to what they have to say! We trawled through these examiners’ reports, as well as past exams, to put together a list of the top 5 areas that students often stumble on in GCSE Latin.
GCSE Revision Techniques and Skills
How should I create a timetable for my GCSEs?Creating a comprehensive timetable is one of the most helpful things you can do to ensure success in your GCSEs. While this timetable may vary depending on other commitments, there are of course some aspects that are helpful to remember.The first is to ensure that you dedicate time to the areas you find more complex.
How to Get a 9 in GCSE French
How hard is it to get a 9 in GCSE French? French continues to be the most popular modern language subject at GCSE, with 126,185 provisional entries in 2022, but it saw a fall in the top grades: 31.4 per cent achieved a grade 7/A or above compared with 32.9 per cent in 2021 and 23.7 per cent in 2019. The pass rate fell by 5 percentage points to 78.1 per cent compared with 83.1 per cent in 2021 and 69.7 per cent in 2019.
How to Get a 9 in GCSE History
How hard is it to get a 9 in GCSE History? The grade boundaries for a 9 in History vary year on year, as well as between boards and papers, however, the 2022 exams indicate that a mark of around 75 per cent or higher will receive a 9 in the History GCSE.
How to Get a 9 in GCSE Physics
How hard is it to get a 9 in GCSE Physics? Physics is quite often considered the most daunting Science for GCSE pupils, since concepts are challenging and there is a high mathematical element. But do not be perturbed! We will look closely at what is required to get top grades below, and hopefully shed some light on any concerns. On average, AQA award grade 9 to candidates scoring 70% and Edexcel to those achieving 75%. These grade boundaries vary annually.
A Guide to GCSE Double Award and Triple Award Science
Deciding whether to study Double Award (Combined Science) or Triple Award GCSE Science can be a difficult decision and one which might influence future A Level and degree choices.In this article we discuss the differences between Double Award and Triple Award Science, the pros and cons of each and how to decide between these two GCSE qualifications.
How to Get a 9 in GCSE Biology
Are you taking your GCSE Biology exam this summer and looking for guidance on how to achieve a top grade? In this article, Keystone Tutors have compiled the best advice for acing the GCSE Biology exam, including how best to prepare, top tips for achieving a Grade 9, and key findings from examiner reports.
Webinar: Getting Your Child Exam Fit
Keystone's Homeschooling and Courses Manager, Poppy Dundas, was joined by Professional Tutors Jon Gale and Lara Isaac. Lara is also a trained nutritionist and together they discussed how best to get your child prepared for the upcoming exams. Topics included keeping motivation strong, the best foods to eat, how to structure revision days, how to calm nerves and general revision tips and tricks.
How to Get a 9 in GCSE English
Are you taking your GCSE English exam this summer and looking for advice on how to achieve a top grade? In this article Michael has compiled some useful insights, tips and guidance on how best to prepare for the GCSE English exam and his top tips for achieving a Grade 9.
How to Get a 9 in GCSE Maths
Are you taking your GCSE Maths exam this summer and looking for advice on how to achieve a top grade? In this article, Keystone Tutors have compiled some useful insights, tips and guidance on how best to prepare for the GCSE Maths exam, top tips for achieving a Grade 9 and some interesting findings from the examiners reports.
