We Don't Just Teach the Subject. We Teach the Exam.
Knowledge gets you a Grade 5. Technique gets you a Grade 9. We specialize in decoding the AQA, Edexcel, and OCR mark schemes to maximize every mark.
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Why Smart Students Miss Top Grades
Many students leave the exam hall thinking they did well, only to receive a lower grade than expected. Why?
In the UK system, Keywords are King—especially in Science and Geography. If you explain a concept perfectly but miss the specific term on the examiner's checklist, you get zero marks.
At FocusFirst Tutors, we don't just teach the subject content. We train students specifically on the Assessment Objectives (AOs):
Demonstrate knowledge of scientific ideas, processes, and techniques.
Apply knowledge to new contexts and unfamiliar scenarios.
Interpret data, make judgements, and draw conclusions. (The 'Grade 9' Skills).
The Deep Dive: Tuition by Exam Level
11+ GL & CEM Assessment
The 11+ is not taught in primary schools. It tests Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning—skills your child has likely never seen.
Speed and Pattern Recognition. We teach specific techniques to decode codes, shapes, and vocabulary puzzles under extreme time pressure.
GCSE Exam Technique
We move beyond the textbook. We focus on Command Words. Does the question ask to 'Describe' or 'Explain'? 'Compare' or 'Evaluate'?
Misunderstanding the command word is the #1 reason for lost marks. We fix this by teaching the specific requirements of each.
A-Level Synoptic Skills
A-Levels require 'Synoptic Thinking'—the ability to link topics together (e.g., linking Biology cells to Physics energy).
Structuring the long-form essay answers and mastering the complex multi-step calculations in Maths and Chemistry.
Practice Makes Permanent
Timed Conditions
We simulate the exam hall environment. By practicing under time pressure, we reduce anxiety and improve pacing.
Forensic Marking
We don't just tick the answers. We analyze exactly where the marks were lost (Recall vs. Application) to pinpoint the issue.
The Gap Fill
Data drives the next lesson. We immediately reteach the specific weak spots identified in the mock to close the gap.
Common Questions
When should we start preparing for the 11+?
We recommend starting in Year 4 or early Year 5. The 11+ tests skills (Verbal/Non-Verbal Reasoning) that are not taught in primary schools. Starting early builds the necessary vocabulary and pattern-recognition speed without panic.
Do you provide mock exams?
Yes. Practice papers are essential. We provide past papers for AQA, Edexcel, and OCR. More importantly, we simulate timed conditions to help students manage the clock—a common reason for lost marks.
What is the difference between Foundation and Higher Tier GCSE?
Foundation Tier grades are capped at Grade 5 (a strong pass). Higher Tier allows access to Grades 4–9. We assess your child's current level and help them build the skills needed to confidently sit the Higher paper if appropriate.
My child knows the content but struggles with exam technique. Can you help?
Absolutely. This is our specialty. We teach 'Command Word' analysis (e.g., the difference between 'Describe' and 'Explain') and how to structure 6-mark answers to ensure they hit every point on the examiner's mark scheme.
Do you cover all Exam Boards?
Yes. We tailor our tuition to the specific specification your child is studying at school, whether that is AQA, Edexcel (Pearson), OCR, or WJEC. We ensure they never waste time learning content that isn't on their specific paper.
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