The Sherpa Blog
STEM, Education and Online Tutoring News from the Sherpa Team.
The A-Level History and Politics Essay Writing Toolkit
Claire M
1 month ago
Claire is a qualified GCSE and A-Level History and Politics Teacher and Examiner with 15 years of teaching, tutoring and leadership experience. She holds a...
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Surviving the Jump: How to Transition from GCSE to A-Level Mathematics
Rebecca K
1 month ago
Even students with GCSE grade 7s and 8s regularly struggle in the first month of A-Level Maths. A senior examiner explains why, and what to do about it.
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How Should We Be Teaching Science?
Iñigo
1 month ago
A Master's physicist reviews the research and finds that the answer goes well beyond content, covering identity, capital and what it means to think like a scientist.
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GCSE to A-Level Economics: What Actually Changes in Year 12
Aryan B
1 month ago
A-Level Economics has a reputation as an easy step up from GCSE. A tutor explains why that impression disappears fast and the three habits that decide your grade in Year 12.
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Does Online GCSE Maths Tutoring Actually Work?
Mathew O
1 month ago
Online or face-to-face GCSE Maths tutoring does it matter? A qualified teacher examines the evidence and shares the five questions every parent should ask before choosing a tutor.
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The Transition to A-level Biology from GCSE Combined Science
Pauline H
1 month ago
Moving from GCSE Combined Science to A-Level Biology is a bigger step than most students expect. A specialist teacher explains what changes and how to bridge the gap.
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Why Reading Feels Harder Than Ever - And What to Do About It
Johanna O
1 month ago
Reading feels harder than it used to for all of us, but especially for teenagers. A PhD English Tutor explores why, and what to do about it before September arrives.
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Bouncing Back: A Strategic Guide to Retaking A-Level Chemistry
Pardeep S
1 month ago
Failing A-Level Chemistry on Results Day is a heavy blow — but it almost always means a strategy problem, not an ability one. An examiner explains exactly how to fix it.
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Top Tips to Master the AQA GCSE Spanish Exams
Catherine B
1 month ago
Getting top marks in AQA GCSE Spanish isn't about being fluent. A qualified teacher reveals the five realistic changes that make the biggest difference to your grade.
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What I Wish More People Knew Before Starting A-Level Economics
Daanish
1 month ago
The marks don't slip away in A-Level Economics because students haven't read enough. A tutor explains the two basics that catch everyone out and how to fix them before September.
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7 Essay Mistakes That Are Costing GCSE English Students
Isabel J
1 month ago
Most GCSE English students don't lose marks because they don't know the text. They lose them because of how they write about it. Here are the seven mistakes to fix first.
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Why Technical Theatre Is a Blind Spot For Most Drama Students
Lucy
1 month ago
Most Drama students have an idea of how they want a scene to look but no language to describe it. A former Stage Manager explains why hands-on experience makes all the difference.
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How Should Students Choose Their A-Level Further Mathematics Optional Modules?
Fei Y
1 month ago
Choosing Further Maths optional modules is not about finding the easiest option. A specialist tutor explains what each module involves and how to pick the right one for you.
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How to Prepare for A-Level Computer Science Over the Summer
Mohammed S
1 month ago
A-Level Computer Science is a significant step up from GCSE. A specialist examiner explains how to spend the summer and why just a few hours a week is enough.
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Why Do Schools Not Cover ‘Exam Technique?’
Kate B
1 month ago
An experienced examiner explains why exam technique is rarely taught in schools and what students can do about it.
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