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Welcome to Claire's Notes, your ultimate resource for mastering the English curriculum. Since qualifying as a teacher of secondary English and Drama at the University of Cambridge in 1999, I have been dedicated to helping students excel in their studies. In 2020, I founded my YouTube channel to offer learners of all ages free, convenient tutorials covering all aspects of the English curriculum from GCSE upwards. ​My video tutorials cover the full literature requirements for GCSE English, including Shakespeare, the nineteenth-century novel, modern prose and drama, and the poetry anthologies. Additionally, I offer comprehensive guidance on English language skills, such as working smarter, not harder at analysis, and providing model answers. ​ I cater to various examination boards, including AQA, Edexcel, OCR, Eduqas/WJEC, CCEA and CIE. On this website, you'll find a wealth of resources to support your learning journey. Access past papers to familiarize yourself with exam expectations for GCSE English Literature and English Language, and explore a variety of short stories designed to help you expand your vocabulary and enjoy a wide range of texts. Claire's Notes is here to provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to succeed, all in an easily accessible and user-friendly format. Happy learning!

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Check out my latest literature videos

Sonnet 18 ("Shall I compare thee...?")
by William Shakespeare

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Tips to work smarter and access higher grades

Explore

Search GCSE English Literature tutorials

Poetry

A tranquil scene of an old, leather-bound book lying open on a rustic wooden table, with pages gently fluttering in the breeze. A quill pen rests in an inkwell beside the book, evoking timeless creativity. Delicate pressed flowers and loose, handwritten notes filled with verses are scattered around. In the background, a sunlit window with sheer curtains reveals a garden in full bloom. The overall composition exudes a quiet, contemplative atmosphere, capturing the essence of poetry as an art form that bridges nature, emotion, and expression.

The Nineteenth Century Novel

A bustling cobblestone street with ornate red-brick buildings, wrought iron balconies, and gas lamps, capturing the charm of Victorian England. Horse-drawn carriages clatter by as men in top hats and women in elegant dresses stroll on the sidewalks. A newsboy in a flat cap and suspenders sells papers nearby. Shop windows showcase fine fabrics and intricate clockwork pieces. In the distance, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are silhouetted against a foggy sky, completing the picturesque scene of industrial progress and timeless elegance.

Modern Prose and Drama

A dimly lit stage set in a black box theatre, capturing twentieth-century drama. The minimalist set has a weathered armchair, a small wooden table with an old-fashioned lamp, and an empty picture frame on the back wall. Two actors, a man in a rumpled suit and a woman in a simple, elegant dress, engage intensely. Their emotive expressions convey raw human struggle and complexity. Shadows play across their faces, enhancing the dramatic tension. Abstract projections of urban landscapes and fragmented text in the background hint at alienation and modernity. The audience sits close, immersed in the powerful, intimate performance.

Shakespeare

An open-air theatre with a wooden stage set against a lush, green forest, capturing Shakespearean drama. The stage features simple props: a rustic throne, scattered scrolls, and flickering torches. Actors in period costumes with flowing capes and elaborate gowns perform passionately. A central actor, dressed as a king, delivers a soliloquy with a raised hand, while courtiers and jesters watch intently. The audience, seated on wooden benches and a grassy knoll, is captivated, their faces illuminated by the warm glow of hanging lanterns. The scene evokes the timeless allure of Shakespeare's works, blending nature, emotion, and theatrical artistry.

Practise

GCSE English Language past paper tutorials

AQA GCSE English Language (8700)

Explorations in creative reading and writing

A teetering tower of wooden Scrabble tiles on a white background, symbolising the infinite creativity of the English language.

AQA GCSE English Language (8700)

Writers' viewpoints and perspectives

A teetering tower of wooden Scrabble tiles on a white background, symbolising the infinite creativity of the English language.

Revise

Past papers

Practising past exam papers is an invaluable strategy for English Language GCSE revision. Engaging with these papers familiarises students with the exam format, question types, and time constraints, reducing exam-day anxiety. It enables students to identify common themes and recurring topics, honing their ability to structure coherent, persuasive responses. Additionally, past papers provide a practical opportunity to apply analytical skills and improve critical thinking. Reviewing marked papers highlights strengths and areas for improvement, guiding focused revision. Overall, this practice enhances exam readiness, boosts confidence, and maximises the potential for achieving high grades in the English Language GCSE.

AQA English Language (8700)

Eduqas/WJEC English Language (C700)

AQA English Literature (8702)

Eduqas/WJEC English Literature 

Discover

Short stories

"A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one." George R. R. Martin

An open book, balancing on its spine, on a black background

Reading is crucial for vocabulary expansion and understanding words in context. It exposes readers to a variety of language uses, helping them grasp meanings and nuances. Short stories are an excellent strategy for reluctant readers since they are less intimidating and can be finished quickly, providing a sense of achievement. This format allows readers to experiment with different genres, sparking interest and engagement. By reading short stories, learners encounter diverse vocabulary and contexts, making the process of language acquisition enjoyable and manageable, thus fostering a lifelong love of reading and learning.

Check out my short story library of downloadable PDFs 

Engage

Welcome to my blog, your ultimate destination for all things English! Whether you're a passionate reader, an aspiring writer, a dedicated teacher, or an eager learner, you'll find a wealth of resources and inspiration here. Dive into my latest posts to explore insightful articles on reading, writing, teaching, and learning. Join me on this journey and be a part of a growing community passionate about engaging with the fascinating world of English. Happy reading!

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