Study Sessions: STG English Revision

What Happens Next? – Northern Lights

27 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this special episode of Study Sessions, we briefly recap the plot of Northern Lights and look ahead of the remaining two books in Pullman's His Dar...

Baughcuts: Ralph’s Grief at the End of 'Lord of the Flies'

25 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ralph’s final breakdown in Lord of the Flies is one of the most powerful moments in the novel. In this Baughcut, we explore what Ralph is truly grie...

A Christmas Carol: 12 essential quotations you NEED to know!

03 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, released just before your Paper 1 mock tomorrow (4th March), we work through 12 essential quotations from across A Christmas Carol. A...

Year 10 Half-Term Revision: The suffering of the poor in 'A Christmas Carol'

13 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we turn to the A Christmas Carol task in your half-term homework/revision Paper 1. The episode provides you with a clear thesis or ar...

Year 10 Half-Term Revision: Lady Macbeth as a character who changes

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Study Sessions, we turn to the half-term Lady Macbeth task: 'Lady Macbeth is a female character who changes'. Using the work of lit...

AQA English Literature: Unseen Poetry: Composed upon Westminster Bridge — Feelings Towards the City

02 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, designed to tie in with our weekly exam preparation homework, we discuss Wordsworth's poem Composed upon Westminster Bridge, Septembe...

Unseen Poetry: Eating Poetry (Week 15)

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we turn to Week 15 in your exam preparation booklet and the poem Eating Poetry. The episode focuses on how to approach the task, how ...

Unseen Poetry: how to tackle the 24-mark poetry task (Week 14)

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we break down a clear, repeatable approach to the single-poem unseen poetry task in AQA English Literature Paper 2, Section C. Using ...

Year 9 Exam Preparation: Responsibility in An Inspector Calls

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this short episode, we explore An Inspector Calls and its central theme: social responsibility. Designed to be listened to in a single sitting, we ...

New Series! To See the World in a Grain of Sand: “Life Is Scientific” – Piggy, Progress, and the Refusal of Guilt

14 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we explore how Piggy’s belief that “life is scientific” reveals his faith in reason and progress, and how that belief leads him...

Sadism Set Free: Roger’s Role in Lord of the Flies

06 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we explore the chilling character of Roger in Lord of the Flies and tackle the central question: Does Roger change, or is his cruelty...

Week 9: Understanding Identity in Tissue

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Study Sessions, we take a clear, structured look at Imtiaz Dharker’s Tissue: an overview of the poem’s ide...

Macbeth: The 12 Essential Quotations Every Student Must Know

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we walk through the twelve most important quotations from Macbeth that every student should know before their mock exam. Each quotati...

The Key Three: The Effects of War in Carol Ann Duffy’s War Photographer

19 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A shorter, focused episode exploring Carol Ann Duffy’s War Photographer and the emotional, moral, and psychological effects of war. Includes title a...

AQA GCSE English Descriptive Writing | Hot Air Balloons Scene | Study Sessions Week 6

18 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Study Sessions, we turn to Week 6 and the description of a hot air balloon scene. The episode takes our typical approach to idea ge...

The Key Three: Happiness and Joy in 'A Christmas Carol'

13 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Key Three, we explore the key themes of happiness and joy in A Christmas Carol, considering how they link to Dickens' overall m...

AQA GCSE English Descriptive Writing | Isolated House Scene | Study Sessions Week 5

10 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's video, I cover some misconceptions around present participles and tense, how to avoid writing a cliched horror story instead of an orig...

The Key Three: Comparing Nature in Storm on the Island and The Prelude

06 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Study Sessions: The Key Three, I'm exploring our Week 5 homework comparing the power of nature in Storm on the Island and The Prelu...

AQA GCSE English Descriptive Writing | Underwater Scene | Study Sessions Week 4

03 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Study Sessions, we turn to Week 4 and the description of an underwater scene. The episode takes our typical approach to idea genera...

The Key Three: Ambition in Macbeth

29 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Study Sessions, we explore how Shakespeare presents ambition as a dangerous and destructive force in Macbeth. Linking directly to y...

AQA GCSE English Descriptive Writing | Celebration Street Scene | Study Sessions Week 3

24 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Study Sessions, we explore Week 3 of the GCSE English homework booklet. You are tasked with writing a description of a celebration,...

The Key Three: William Blake's 'London' and the abuse of power

22 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this Key Three mini-episode of Study Sessions, we explore how William Blake’s London exposes the abuse of power – linking directly to Week 3 of...

From Plan to Paragraph: Mastering Descriptive Writing for AQA GCSE English Language

17 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this Study Session, we break down exactly how to approach AQA’s descriptive writing task. Learn how to avoid common errors (like sentence fragmen...

The Key Three: Focusing on Social Responsibility in A Christmas Carol

15 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this Key Three mini-episode of Study Sessions, we explore the theme of social responsibility in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.Designed to he...

A Christmas Carol — Stave Four: The Last of the Three Spirits

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we explore Stave Four of A Christmas Carol to support Year 9 students reading the novella independently. We follow Scrooge’s encoun...

A Christmas Carol — Stave Three: The Second of the Three Spirits

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we explore Stave Three of A Christmas Carol to support Year 9 students reading the novella independently. We follow Scrooge’s encou...

A Christmas Carol — Stave Two: The First of the Three Spirits

05 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we explore Stave Two of A Christmas Carol to support Year 9 students reading the novella independently. We follow Scrooge’s encount...

A Christmas Carol - Stave One: Introducing Scrooge

01 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we explore Stave One of A Christmas Carol to support Year 9 students reading the novella independently. We unpack Dickens’ powerful...

Redemption and Responsibility: The Characters and Themes of A Christmas Carol

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this second episode supporting your independent reading of A Christmas Carol, we take a close look at the key characters and the novella's essentia...

A Sledgehammer Against Injustice: Dickens and the context of A Christmas Carol

25 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we turn to Charles Dickens’ iconic moral tale of poverty, greed, and the transformative power of redemption. Use this episode along...

Grenfell: Eight Years On

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this special episode, a number of Year 8 students share their poetry responding to the Grenfell Tower fire on 14th June, 2017. Thank you to everyon...

Year 9 End-of Year Exam Preparation: The Road to Derry by Seamus Heaney

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we explore Seamus Heaney’s The Road to Derry, tracing its depiction of political and personal conflict after Bloody Sunday. Through...

Year 7 End-of-year Exam Preparation: Knowledge Quiz Time!

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ Ready to test your knowledge? This interactive revision quiz covers key Year 7 English topics — mythology, symbolism, inequality, and litera...

Year 9 End-of-year Exam Preparation: War, Trauma and Care in 'The Manhunt' by Simon Armitage

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this special episode of Study Sessions, we delve into Simon Armitage’s The Manhunt, a poignant exploration of the enduring im...

The Mask, the Knife, the Sharpened Stick: Jack’s Journey into Barbarism

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we explore Jack Merridew’s transformation in Lord of the Flies, tracing his evolution from head boy to savage chief. Through close ...

Year 7 End-of-year Exam Preparation: the workhouse description

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, focusing specifically on Year 7's end-of-year assessment, we look at Section C of the paper: the Victorian workhouse description. Use...

Year 9 End-of-year Exam Preparation: Who's for the Game? – Jessie Pope, Propaganda, and the Poetics of Persuasion

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we delve into Jessie Pope’s 1915 poem "Who's for the Game?", a piece that epitomizes early World War I propaganda. We explore how P...

Baughcuts: sacrifice and the consequences of war - Kamikaze by Beatrice Garland

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Baughcuts, we explore Beatrice Garland's Kamikaze, delving into themes of duty, identity, and the profound human cost of war.

Baughcuts: hubris, power and transience in Shelley's Ozymandias

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Baughcuts, we examine the title and three essential quotations from Shelley's wonderful meditation on power, hubris and the transie...

Baughcuts: the lingering trauma of war - Remains by Simon Armitage

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Baughcuts, we examine the lingering trauma of war in Armitage's poem, Remains. From title to three key quotations, make sure this e...

Baughcuts: observation amidst the turmoil of war - Carol Ann Duffy's War Photographer

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we delve into Carol Ann Duffy’s War Photographer, exploring the emotional and ethical complexities faced by those who document conf...

Baughcuts: power, oppression and control in William Blake's London

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Baughcuts, we examine the title and three key quotations from William Blake's masterpiece, London. From a title that grounds the te...

Baughcuts: From Innocence to Insight - Ralph's Awakening in Lord of the Flies

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Baughcuts, we explore Ralph’s journey in Lord of the Flies—from an idealistic leader to a boy confronting humanity’s inherent...

Baughcuts: poverty with a human face - the Cratchits in A Christmas Carol

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Baughcuts, we look specifically at the depiction of the Cratchits at Christmas, drawing a link between their humanity and the dehum...

Where we are is who we are: setting, place and location in A Christmas Carol

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this crucial episode of Study Sessions, we look at setting, place and location as mirrors - they reflect the moral character of those who inhabit t...

Year 8 End-of-year Exam Preparation: Love in Romeo and Juliet

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this special episode of Study Sessions, we take a look at love in Romeo and Juliet to support your end-of-year exam preparations. From the performa...

His virtues will plead like angels: King Duncan in Macbeth

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Study Sessions, we look specifically at the character of King Duncan, a figure who embodies all the virtues of good kingship: justi...

Instruments of Darkness: Temptation, Fate, and the Witches in Macbeth

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this essential episode of Study Sessions, we take a close, detailed look at the role of the witches in Macbeth. Agents of chaos, malevolent manipul...

Year 9 End-of-year Exam Preparation: Act 1 of Macbeth

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this special edition of Study Sessions focused exclusively on Year 9's preparation for their end-of-year exam in English, we look at the opening ac...

Baughcuts: Robert Browning's My Last Duchess in under 15 minutes

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Baughcuts, we're looking at Robert Browning's exploration of patriarchal power, jealousy and domination, My Last Duchess. Following...

Making connections: instruments of darkness and juggling fiends (Macbeth)

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Making Connections, we take a look at two crucial quotations that bookend the play: Banquo's warning to Macbeth about the 'instrume...

Baughcuts: Imtiaz Dharker's Tissue in 15 minutes

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Baughcuts, we quickly recap Imtiaz Dharker's exploration of transience, power and fragility in the enigmatic poem, Tissue. Remember...

Baughcuts: Seamus Heaney's Storm on the Island in 15 minutes

23 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Baughcuts, we examine Seamus Heaney's exploration of fear, human resilience and the power of nature. Storm on the Island is a key p...

Baughcuts: Exposure by Wilfred Owen in 10 minutes

23 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Baughcuts, we take a look at Wilfred Owen's poignant depiction of trench warfare, futility and suffering in Exposure. A crucial poe...

Baughcuts: Wordsworth's The Prelude in under 10 minutes

23 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Baughcuts, we take a quick look at The Prelude by William Wordsworth. Remember, these episodes replicate our approach in the exam: ...

Making connections: the motif of temperature in Dickens' A Christmas Carol

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Making connections, we track the motif of temperature in A Christmas Carol. From the icy frigidity of Scrooge to the warmth benevol...

Making connections: tracking Roger in 'Lord of the Flies' through three key quotations

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we take a closer look at Roger from Lord of the Flies. Through three key quotations, we'll make connections across the text, examinin...

Baughcuts: The Émigrée by Carol Rumens in (not quite) under 10 minutes

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Baughcuts, we examine the title and three key quotations from The Émigrée by Carol Rumens. Remember, these short-form episodes ar...

What’s Done Cannot Be Undone: Tracing Guilt in Macbeth

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this bumper episode, we look at one of the most crucial themes in Macbeth: guilt. Guilt is critical to our understanding of the play's psychologica...

Baughcuts: John Agard's Checking Out Me History in under 10 minutes

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Baughcuts, we examine John Agard's powerful exploration of history and identity in the poem Checking Out Me History. Perfect for so...

Baughcuts: Poppies in (not quite) under 10 minutes

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Baughcuts, we examine Jane Weir's exploration of the intimate, familial impact of conflict. Remember, these mini-episodes focus on ...

Baughcuts: The Charge of the Light Brigade in under 10 minutes

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this quick episode of Baughcuts, we look at Tennyson's valorisation of the Light Brigade's disastrous cavalry charge towards Russian artillery and ...

Baughcuts: 'Bayonet Charge' in under 10 minutes

01 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Starting with 'Bayonet Charge', we'll be releasing short Baughcuts for all fifteen of the AQA Power and Conflict anthology poems. Focusing on the titl...

Behind the Curtain: Power and Possession in 'My Last Duchess'

25 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, step into the chilling, aristocratic world of Robert Browning's My Last Duchess. Explore the sinister undertones beneath the Duke's p...

War, Trauma and Memory: Simon Armitage's 'Remains'

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we explore Simon Armitage's Remains, a poem that exposes the moral ambiguities of conflict, psychological trauma and the power of mem...

STG Unplugged: Our very first student podcast!

11 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this very first edition of STG Unplugged, we explore Korean and Chinese dramas, riddles, the festival of Kwanza and so much more! Listen, enjoy, an...

Between Oppression and Light: Exile and Identity in 'The Émigrée

11 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we explore how The Émigrée by Carol Rumens articulates the experience of exile and dislocation, while also celebrating the power an...

Mind-Forged Manacles: Power and Oppression in Blake’s 'London'

09 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we walk through the streets of late-18th century London with one of the greatest poets and artists of the Romantic period - William B...

Unmasking the 'Beast': Exploring Innate Evil in Lord of the Flies

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I explore William Golding's Lord of the Flies, focusing on the theme of inherent evil within human nature. Moving from character to c...

World Book Day special - an interview with Ben Aitken, freelance writer and travel journalist

04 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As part of our World Book Day and National Careers Week celebrations, in this special edition of Study Sessions we hear from acclaimed writer and jour...

From 'Bah! Humbug!' to Benevolence: Social Responsibility in A Christmas Carol

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I explore the theme of social responsibility in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Moving stave by stave, we consider the ways Dic...

Spectres and Second Chances: The Role of the Supernatural in A Christmas Carol

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I dive into the ghostly world of A Christmas Carol and explore how Dickens uses the supernatural to transform Scrooge from miser to m...

Scrooge’s Redemption: A Christmas Carol’s Moral and Social Critique

07 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What does Scrooge’s transformation in A Christmas Carol reveal about morality, capitalism, and Victorian society? In this episode, we analyse the co...

AQA Poetry Anthology 'Checking Out Me History' - the reclamation of identity

31 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this guest-hosted episode, Mrs Colson explores John Agard’s Checking Out Me History, a powerful critique of historical omissions. She breaks down...

Baughcuts: Piggy as an outsider in 'Lord of the Flies'

23 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I focus on Piggy's character in William Golding's Lord of the Flies. Through five significant quotations, I explore themes of margina...

From Conch to Chaos: Law, Order, Democracy and Dictatorship in 'Lord of the Flies'

21 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode of Study Sessions focuses on Lord of the Flies as part of your mock exam revision and ties in specifically with the mock paper you've bee...

Mid-Year Assessment Special: Year 9 'An Inspector Calls' - 'We are responsible for each other'

14 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Study Sessions, we explore the theme of responsibility in J.B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls. Perfect for Year 9 students prepar...

Mid-Year Assessment Special: Year 8 'Animal Farm' - Napoleon, power and control

13 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this special Study Sessions episode, I explore George Orwell’s Animal Farm and analyse how Napoleon exemplifies power and control. Designed for Y...

From Eden to Chaos: The Loss of Innocence in Lord of the Flies

07 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Study Sessions (Baughcast!), I delve into the fragile and tragic theme of innocence in William Golding's Lord of the Flies. I track...

'Deck the Halls with Baughs of Holly': A Christmas Message

20 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

No full episode this week, just a heart-warming Christmas message of joy, compassion and hope from Mr Baugh (courtesy of Fred from A Christmas Carol).

Transient identities: Percy Bysshe Shelley's 'Ozymandias'

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Study Sessions, we explore Percy Bysshe Shelley’s timeless sonnet 'Ozymandias' through the lens of identity. The poem’s grand t...

Suspicion and Doubt in Macbeth

06 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dive into Shakespeare’s Macbeth as we explore the themes of suspicion and doubt, examining key moments, from Duncan’s misplaced trust to Macbeth’...

Snapshots of war: moral burden in 'War Photographer' by Carol Ann Duffy (AQA Poetry Anthology)

29 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Study Sessions, we dive deep into Carol Ann Duffy’s powerful poem War Photographer. This poignant piece takes us into the world o...

The Island, the Beast, and the Truth: Simon in 'Lord of the Flies'

21 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Study Sessions, we explore the enigmatic character of Simon in William Golding’s 'Lord of the Flies'. Often described as the mora...

Beyond the Gallop: Tennyson’s The Charge of the Light Brigade (AQA Poetry Anthology)

15 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Study Sessions, we explore Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s The Charge of the Light Brigade, a poem that immortalises the bravery of 600 B...

Introducing...BAUGHCUTS - Macbeth and poetry anthology TOP TIPS

11 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're launching 'BAUGHCUTS', short, bonus episodes offering exam top tips. In our first episode we're looking ahead to Wednesday's mock exam and...

The theme of ambition in 'Macbeth' (AQA English Literature Paper 1)

07 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we explore the theme of ambition in Shakespeare's intense and bloody tragedy, 'Macbeth'. From Lady Macbeth's emasculating manipulatio...

Seamus Heaney's 'Storm on the Island' (AQA Poetry Anthology Revision)

04 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we're exploring 'Storm on the Island' by celebrated Irish poet, Seamus Heaney. From the confident opening declaration that 'We build ...

William Wordsworth's 'The Prelude' (the boat stealing episode) - (AQA Poetry Anthology Revision)

18 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I'll be exploring 'The Prelude' by William Wordsworth. We'll be looking at the sublime power of nature, feelings of guilt and inner c...

Romeo and Juliet: relationships and first meeting

13 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Focusing on Act 1 of 'Romeo and Juliet', this episode is designed to help Year 8 revise and prepare for their end-of-year assessment. We'll look at Ro...

Diction and rhetoric in Wilfred Owen's 'Dulce et Decorum Est'

07 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Designed to help you prepare and revise for your Year 9 end-of-term assessment, this episode examines Owen's much-anthologised poem 'Dulce et Decorum ...

Lord of the Flies: you couldn't stop Roger if you tried...

18 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Another quick pre-exam episode, this time looking at the most unsettling character in 'Lord of the Flies', Roger. If you enjoy this episode, why not c...

Lord of the Flies: Ralph, reconsidered

17 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Short episode (with Paper 2 on Monday 20th May!) focusing on Ralph and an illuminating interaction with Piggy...

'Kamikaze' and the sacrifices of war

15 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Beatrice Garland's poem 'Kamikaze', from her 2013 collection 'The Invention of Fireworks', explores themes of sacrifice, nature and the consequences o...

Understanding the supernatural in 'Macbeth'

09 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we look at the role of the supernatural in the play, from the riddling, paradoxical witches (or weird sisters), to visions, hallucina...

History, the individual and war - Bayonet Charge by Ted Hughes (AQA Poetry Anthology Revision)

26 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I explore the mechnical imagery in Hughes' 'Bayonet Charge' and the relationship between an individual soldier and the impersonal for...

Embracing transience - understanding 'Tissue' by Imtiaz Dharker (AQA Poetry Anthology Revision)

17 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Often considered the trickiest poem in the 'Power and Conflict' anthology cluster, in this episode I'll show you how we can consider the poem in compa...

Maybe there is a beast? Understanding the beast in 'Lord of the Flies'

02 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this inaugural episode of our new English Literature revision podcast from the fine English teachers at St George's School, Blackpool, we explore t...