How to Improve GCSE English: Tips for Parents

As parents, we all want what is best for our children, especially when it comes to their education. When it comes to GCSE English, many students struggle to find the right resources and strategies to succeed, leaving both them and you feeling frustrated and uncertain.

If your child is struggling with GCSE English, don’t worry — you’re not alone. In fact, many students face challenges with reading, writing, and comprehension. The good news is, there are plenty of ways you can help your child improve their GCSE English skills, boost their confidence, and set them up for success.

Here are 8 tips for parents which you can use to help your child improve their GCSE English, whether it’s writing essays, building vocabulary, or getting ready for the final exam.

1. Break Down the Syllabus

A great starting point in supporting your child with their GCSE English revision is to understand what they’re learning. The GCSE English syllabus can seem overwhelming, so help your child break it down into manageable sections. Look at the key themes, literary techniques, and exam requirements that they’ll need to focus on.

Consider working through the syllabus together, marking the areas where your child feels less confident. This will help you prioritise their study time and keep them on track for success.

2. Create a Study Plan

When creating a plan for GCSE English revision, staying organised is key. Help your child create a study plan that fits their schedule and covers all the necessary topics. Make sure the plan includes regular review sessions, breaks, and time for practice exams.

Use tools like our GCSE Study Planner to keep everything organised and ensure your child is revising consistently.

Tip: Focus on one topic at a time, and set small, achievable goals to prevent overwhelm.

3. Improve Reading Comprehension

Reading comprehension is a major part of both GCSE English Language and English Literature exams. Help your child improve their reading comprehension skills by encouraging regular reading. Start with shorter, easier texts and gradually progress to more challenging material.

Encourage them to focus on understanding the main ideas, identifying key details, and interpreting the meaning behind the text.

You can help your child by asking them about the story, who are the characters, how do the feel about them, why? What happened, how did it make them feel? How did the writer make them feel that way? If they think something is strange, why did the reader choose to do that? This is a great way to help your child think analytically about the text they're reading, rather than just ticking a box.

4. Practice Writing Essays

Essay writing is a major part of GCSE English. Help your child practice writing essays by encouraging them to plan their responses first, create strong topic sentences, and support their arguments with evidence from the text.

Top Tip: Practice different types of essays (e.g., analytical essays, creative writing, and argumentative essays) to build your child’s versatility.

If possible, have someone (like yourself or a tutor) read through their essays and give constructive feedback on how to improve their structure, clarity, and writing style.

5. Build Vocabulary

Expanding vocabulary can have a huge impact on your child’s writing and reading comprehension. Help them build a strong vocabulary by encouraging them to:

• Read widely (novels, articles, poetry)

• Look up unfamiliar words and make note of them

• Practice using new words in essays and conversations

• Ask them to explain the meaning of new words they have learnt

You can also use apps or flashcards to make vocabulary-building fun and interactive.

6. Help with Exam Preparation

Exams can be stressful, but with the right preparation, your child can feel confident and ready. Help them by:

• Practicing past papers to get a feel for the exam format and types of questions

• Simulating exam conditions (timed practice sessions, quiet environment)

• Reviewing mark schemes to understand what examiners are looking for

Ensure your child knows how to manage their time during the exam, making sure they leave enough time to review their answers.

7. Encourage Regular Breaks and Rewards

It’s important to maintain a balance between study and rest. Encourage your child to take regular breaks during study sessions to stay refreshed and focused. Breaks can help prevent burnout and increase productivity.

Incentivise study with small rewards, such as a favourite snack, an episode of a TV show, or some free time once they’ve completed a study session. Ask them to chose how long they will revise for, and come up with a suitable reward together, this allows them to take control of their down time and reduces resistance.

8. Don’t Forget to Ask for Help

If your child is struggling, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s seeking extra resources, working with a tutor, or asking teachers for clarification, there’s no shame in reaching out for support.

If private tuition isn’t an option due to costs, consider using online resources, study groups, or interactive revision websites that can offer guidance and practice without the high price tag.

Conclusion

Helping your child improve their GCSE English doesn’t have to be stressful. By staying organised, encouraging regular practice, and providing the right support, you can set them up for success. Remember, every student learns at their own pace, so be patient and celebrate their progress along the way.

If you’re looking for more ways to support your child, be sure to check out the free resources available at Uplevel Academy. From study planners to creative writing tips, we’re here to help your child succeed.

Click here to grab our free Study Planner to get your child started

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