A review of our Easter Workshops!
We have had a very productive week here at VB Tutoring! Year 11 have joined me to participate in our “Shakespeare Workshops” and our “An Inspector Calls Workshop.” I have been delighted by the hard work and dedication of my students this week. We started the week off with the “Macbeth Workshop.” This started with a fun quiz to test student knowledge of quotations and students scored an average of 3/5 here meaning that it was sufficiently challenging enough and each student learnt at least one new quotation. We moved onto a deep dive into the theme of the Supernatural and finished by studying the role of Lady Macduff, Macduff and Malcolm. Students responded positively and commented that they had not only enjoyed the session but had learnt a lot too. One student said, “I have learnt a lot more about the witches and the supernatural than I knew before.” Another student commented, “I really liked the lesson and I found it helpful.Thank you!”
The second workshop of the week was “Romeo and Juliet.” This focused on using quotations to develop analytical paragraphs which included an assessment of character, plot, theme, language, structure and context. I had produced a model paragraph for Romeo’s quotation, “ O she doth teach the torches to burn bright.” and then the students chose their own quotation from a selection to write their own paragraph based on the model provided. One student commented, “I have figured out how to structure my essay paragraphs with an opening statement of where the quote is from…” We had focused on embedding quotations into our analysis and how to reference quotes that link to the original quotation in order to extend our exploration further.
The final workshop of the week was, “An Inspector Calls.” We started with a recap using a knowledge organiser to remind us of the key events, themes, characters and quotations. The focus of this workshop was to attempt to write an essay response. Students worked on their individual boards and received support and feedback throughout. One student commented, “ I liked the way we could just go and do our own work then look at the answers together so that we can learn from each other.” Another student said, “The activities have been useful as it makes me more confident writing up answers.”
Our workshops have been really well attended and a great success this Easter. Many students who normally attend one to one sessions commented on how they had actually enjoyed the chance to learn in a group. The online classroom we use allows for the best of both worlds. Students are able to learn in a small group and because they each get their own individual work board they also receive the same help and feedback as a one to one tuition session. I am able to fill gaps that may still remain despite having studied the text at school and I can also challenge the student to achieve their full potential as the live feedback is much more powerful than receiving a marked essay back.
Most of my students stay with me for years but I do take new students on each June. There is currently space for new GCSE students. Spaces fill up quite quickly between now and September so please don’t delay enquiring to see if your child would benefit from our five star rated tuition sessions. You will find reviews on our website and on Google Maps.
You can message Victoria by emailing: burnsv@vbtutoring.co.uk.
