The Student Room Group

GCSE English

Hi, just asking for help from the ones who've already done their GCSEs and got like 8 or 9. What did you do to score so well - is it mainly just self study or are there any books you need to purchase. So for the 3 books you need to study, do you need to buy any books (e.g for Macbeth) . Does it have to be CGP or are there any other that I should consider. I've got 1 week until I start Y9 and I need all the advise and guidance there is.
Reply 1
Goodness, you've got plenty of time. For me at least, English was a lot of self-study and memorising. Definitely pay attention in class and make notes. Then, you've practically done all the hard work. If you have the money, then do get the CGP ones, there was another brand called York.. or something. I would say get the ones your school sells. You don't have to be too special so learn what it says, stick to it and try to come up with a little more developing.
PMT (physics and maths tutor- despite its name it has other subjects, including English, so just pick your exam board (free btw))is also a good website.
Also don't forget about English Language, I would even say prioritise it later on. Try to get into reading more if you aren't already. (Or at least the books you're told to read in class.)
I don't really know how to summarise two years worth of English but this is mainly what I remember. Happy to answer any other questions though!
Original post by LIFEchoicesHelp
Hi, just asking for help from the ones who've already done their GCSEs and got like 8 or 9. What did you do to score so well - is it mainly just self study or are there any books you need to purchase. So for the 3 books you need to study, do you need to buy any books (e.g for Macbeth) . Does it have to be CGP or are there any other that I should consider. I've got 1 week until I start Y9 and I need all the advise and guidance there is.
I would wait a bit, especially as you are going into Year 9 - you have plenty of time to figure out what would be beneficial and to get recommendations from your teacher on what resources they recommend.
Original post by LIFEchoicesHelp
Hi, just asking for help from the ones who've already done their GCSEs and got like 8 or 9. What did you do to score so well - is it mainly just self study or are there any books you need to purchase. So for the 3 books you need to study, do you need to buy any books (e.g for Macbeth) . Does it have to be CGP or are there any other that I should consider. I've got 1 week until I start Y9 and I need all the advise and guidance there is.

If you’re just going into year 9, you shouldn’t worry, you’ve got plenty of time before GCSE’s
(edited 2 months ago)
Original post by marsaria
Goodness, you've got plenty of time. For me at least, English was a lot of self-study and memorising. Definitely pay attention in class and make notes. Then, you've practically done all the hard work. If you have the money, then do get the CGP ones, there was another brand called York.. or something. I would say get the ones your school sells. You don't have to be too special so learn what it says, stick to it and try to come up with a little more developing.
PMT (physics and maths tutor- despite its name it has other subjects, including English, so just pick your exam board (free btw))is also a good website.
Also don't forget about English Language, I would even say prioritise it later on. Try to get into reading more if you aren't already. (Or at least the books you're told to read in class.)
I don't really know how to summarise two years worth of English but this is mainly what I remember. Happy to answer any other questions though!

Thanks a lot :smile:
Original post by flowersinmyhair
I would wait a bit, especially as you are going into Year 9 - you have plenty of time to figure out what would be beneficial and to get recommendations from your teacher on what resources they recommend.
👍 thanks for that

Quick Reply