Blogs from experts

Unseen Poetry: A GCSE Student’s Guide to the Unknown - 'Words' by Sylvia Plath

Unseen Poetry: A GCSE Student’s Guide to the Unknown - 'Words' by Sylvia Plath

Sylvia Plath (1932–1963) was an American poet known for her intense, emotionally raw and symbolically rich writing. Much of her poetry explores themes of identity, language, death and emotional suffering. Sylvia Plath’s 'Words' explores the paradoxical relationship between the writer and language, portraying words as powerful yet uncontrollable forces.

Unseen Poetry: A Student’s Guide to the Unknown

Unseen Poetry: A Student’s Guide to the Unknown

Unseen Poetry is one of the most unpredictable parts of the AQA English Literature GCSE exam —and that’s exactly what makes it so challenging. This blog series is designed to take the mystery out of Unseen Poetry.

Iconic Poets of English Literature -Part V

Iconic Poets of English Literature -Part V

Though complex, John Milton’s work introduces students to the heights of English literary achievement. His poems reward careful reading with rich insights into both the human condition and the literary craft.

Iconic Poets of English Literature -Part IV

Iconic Poets of English Literature -Part IV

As a founder of metaphysical poetry, Donne inspired later poets like George Herbert and Andrew Marvell and his influence can still be seen in modern poetry that seeks to bridge the cerebral and the emotional.

Iconic Poets of English Literature -Part III

Iconic Poets of English Literature -Part III

Christopher Marlowe, a contemporary of William Shakespeare, is remembered for his innovations in style and subject matter had a lasting influence on English literature.

Iconic Poets of English Literature -Part II

Iconic Poets of English Literature -Part II

Sir Thomas Wyatt may not be as widely read today as some of his successors, but his influence on English poetry is undeniable.

Iconic Poets of English Literature-Part I

Iconic Poets of English Literature-Part I

Often called the Father of English Literature, Geoffrey Chaucer stands as a towering figure in the history of English poetry. At a time when Latin and French were considered the languages of scholarship and art, Chaucer broke convention by writing extensively in Middle English. This bold choice helped to legitimise English as a language of literary expression and paved the way for future generations of poets. In this series, we’ll explore more such iconic voices—examining their major works, the historical contexts in which they wrote, and the enduring impact of their poetry.

Reading: A Dying Art?

Reading: A Dying Art?

In an age dominated by technology and instant gratification, the timeless habit of reading seems to be struggling to keep up. Is reading a dying art?

I can...I will

I can...I will

As the new year begins, it’s the perfect time for Year 5 students to set goals that will help them succeed in their 11+ grammar school entrance exams. These resolutions can ensure a structured, focused, and balanced approach to preparation while fostering personal growth and confidence. Here’s a list of resolutions for students taking this important step in their academic journey: