This resource is for Teachers, Parents and students studying 
AQA GCSE English Language Paper 1 in PDF format
 
I’ve long believed that strategy is just as important as knowing what to write in exams—maybe it’s my link to sport that makes me think this way. Think about elite athletes: they don’t just rely on raw skill; they plan, adapt, and manage every moment of a game to stay in control. Tennis, for instance, is an individual sport—just like sitting your GCSE English exam. In that exam hall, it’s all on you.
Science and psychology back this up. Adrenaline can make you sharper, quicker, more alert—but if it’s not managed, it can make your mind race in the wrong direction. Knowing how to work with your body, not against it, can turn nerves into a real advantage. And there’s more: teenage brains have their own natural rhythms, meaning our sleep patterns often don’t match early exam times. Understanding this helps you plan your revision, breaks, and even the way you tackle questions so your brain is firing at its best.
This resource isn’t just about tips for writing answers—it’s about mastering the strategy of exams. You’ll learn how to plan, stay calm, and use both your mind and body to give yourself the best chance to succeed. With the right approach, the exam room doesn’t have to feel like a trap—it can feel like a space where you’re fully in control.