Painting Classes Birmingham

Painting Classes Birmingham Everything You Need to Know About the Art Lesson Scene in Birmingham ChaptersHow to Choose a Painting ClassFive Important Painting TechniquesArt Supplies and MaterialsWhere to Find Art Classes and Workshops in BirminghamIf you live in Birmingham, chances are you have received some form of art education without even trying. Whether that’s been through visiting the Birmingham Museum of Art, or casually passing by the various art exhibitions in the city â€" it can seem like artistic expression is always around the corner.This is especially true when taken on a global scale. In fact, art has been a way of expressing personal and political struggles throughout history, and continues today. What is a bit harder to come by is advice on how to get started in becoming a painting master yourself.Luckily, the best way to start is by understanding the different types of painting courses near me that you are likely to encounter both in Birmingham and in general. Here are the three most common painting mediums that are involved in everything from artwork in galle ries to murals in churches.Art pieces can be found on every streetcorner FernandoPainting Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EmmaPainting Teacher 5.00 (5) £75/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DavidPainting Teacher 4.75 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaPainting Teacher 5.00 (7) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors StefaniaPainting Teacher 5.00 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SakinaPainting Teacher 5.00 (1) £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorrenPainting Teacher 5.00 (2) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Off2themoonholliePainting Teacher £8/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsHow to Choose a Painting ClassWatercolor paintingIf you’re interested in learning to paint, your first experience in picking up a brush probably came by way of watercolor. The advantages of using watercolor as a medium are found not only in their affordability, but also in the fact that t hey are great for all skill levels.For these reasons, watercolor is a great class for beginners â€" especially if you’re on the lookout for some type of art instruction. If you’re looking for some inspiration, famous painters like Edward Hopper and Georgia O’Keeffe have a diverse range of watercolor art.Find art courses in London.Acrylic PaintingLike watercolor, acrylic paint is a water based paint and only needs water to be used as a solvent. It is also likely that you will find this medium, as a beginner, to be one of the easiest to handle. While only having been in use since the mid-1900s, acrylic painting is one of the most popular types of paint for both beginners and professionals.If you want to learn to paint with acrylics, the good news is that you won’t have to look to hard to find an acrylic based painting class. Finding inspiration isn’t difficult either, as many of the famous contemporary works you’ve probably already seen, like Lichtenstein’s Pop Art, was done in acrylic.Finding painting classes in Cardiff and painting workshops in Belfast!Oil PaintingOil painting is an entirely different beast â€" in terms of its price, what its made of, and the materials you will need. Because of these reasons, it isn’t typically taught as a beginners course and generally necessitates some kind of background knowledge in painting beforehand. If you’d like to try out oil painting straight away, however, oil painting courses for beginners are common.Oil paint, like the name implies, is an oil based medium. If you’ve ever tried to mix oil and water, you’ll understand why other liquids, like turpentine, are used as solvents for this type of paint. Finding out more on what these types of paintings look like is as simple as recalling images of the Mona Lisa or Van Gogh’s “Starry Night.” In fact, many of the world’s greatest masterpieces have been done predominantly in oil paint.While embarking on learning or refining artistic skill should n’t be hindered by things like previous experience and financial status, it is important to remember that improving your skills are super important to developing artistic ability.Drawing and painting are especially linked, which is why you could also consider taking up basic drawing courses before or in tandem with your painting classes. Practicing your drawing skills by yourself, however, should be enough â€" just make sure to sketch at least once a week to make sure your progress continues.Painting techniques can improve your artworkFive Important Painting TechniquesBeing a beginner can often mean navigating the difficulties of encountering a slew of new terms involved with painting techniques and methods. It can be overwhelming to start getting acquainted with terms like color mixing or learning about the shading involved in painting the human figure. Here are some of the most common painting techniques associated with the three mediums we’ve been discussing.Find art lessons in Leeds.Oil PaintUnderpainting and glazing are some of the most important techniques involved in both oil and acrylic painting, and both techniques are easy to remember because of the fact that they are, essentially, exactly what they sound.Underpainting is the method utilized when painters spread a thin layer of paint, usually a neutral color, on their canvas before setting to work on painting their subject. This can be as simple as painting your canvas in one color to also adding, on top of this initial layer, a sketch of your subject in monochromatic tones of that same color.Glazing, on the other hand, is performed at the end of the painting process and involves spreading a transparent layer of paint over the finished product. While we can think of underpainting as preparing the canvas and giving paintings deeper texture and shading, glazing is geared more towards enhancing your paintings’ color as a whole while also acting as a protective layer.Try a painting class in Edinbur gh too!AcrylicsWhile they can go by different names in all three of these mediums, some of the most popular painting techniques are virtually the same regardless of what you’re using to paint. The first example can be found in the technique known as stippling.While it may sound a bit complicated, stippling is no more than the process of stabbing your canvas with a brush and it can be utilized with every medium. With that in mind, there are various reasons why stippling is employed and the types of qualities it can lend to a painting range from rudimentary to dreamy.Take, for example, the famous French painter Georges Seurat and his post-impressionist painting “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte,” which is made up of a painstaking series of colored dots. In other words, stippling in action.Impasto, another popular technique employed by both oil and acrylic painting, involves using a tool called a palette knife to spread thick amounts of paint over a canvas. Thi s technique was famously used by Vincent van Gogh and is an effective way of adding both texture and intense color to your painting.Find painting classes in Manchester.WatercolorsWatercolor is the oldest painting medium on the planet, having been found in caves older than most of the world's countries. There are a wide variety of techniques that can be employed to paint in watercolor, and can be used regardless of whether you’re painting a still life, portrait, or simply sketching a landscape.Wet on wet, a technique that can also be utilized when painting with acrylics and oil paints, refers to using wet painting material on a wet paper. To do this, the painter simply has to spread a thin layer of water onto their canvas and apply paint mixed with water on top of it.Similarly, wet on dry refers to taking paint mixed with a solvent and painting on a dry canvas. Whether it’s your first time picking up a brush or you haven’t had a chance to branch out in terms of your painting te chniques, it can be useful to try experimenting with both of these techniques while not forgetting to try out some of your own.Art Supplies and MaterialsWhile understanding techniques and methods like color theory and chiaroscuro can be important, its impossible to practice and express your creativity without actual painting materials. While many workshops and even some professors can provide you with some basic materials like an easel, palette or brushes, having material of your own will be essential to progress your skills.Learning how to paint doesn't having to be expensive!Needless to say, purchasing basic brushes, paint and canvases will probably be necessary. If you have the financial ability, the more of a variety you have in terms of art supplies the better.For example, before you start your art school or workshop, it will be best if you start by assembling brushes with at leas three different heads. While you can always ask your instructor which types will be best, we recom mend going with small, wide and medium brushes.When it comes to either acrylic paint or oil paint and watercolor, a beginner will be best prepared with at least four or five different basic colors. White and black are the most important to start with, as they will be essential to shading or illuminating your paintings.Canvases, on the other hand, can range from cardboard boxes all the way to expensive linen or cotton canvases. You’ll have to decide what will be best for both your budget, length of practice, and the subject you will be painting.Find painting classes in Glasgow.Where to Find Art Classes and Workshops in BirminghamThere are many different ways for young artists to get started learning to paint. While Birmingham is more famous for its quality universities and food, there are also many opportunities for an open studio, art center and more. Here are some ways you can start taking painting classes in Birmingham.Finding an instructor online is one popular method. Whether you're looking for kids art courses or adults art lessons, finding an instructor online can be both fast and rewarding. Art Courses Birmingham, located in the Jewelry Quarter, offers courses that you can sign up for online like studio art, life drawing and more. If you're looking for a more hands-on approach to your progression, check out some of the tutors on Superprof.Some other options for people wanting to learn to paint in the Birmingham area are:Art workshopsPlein air paintingTaking a university course

Russian Vocabulary You Need to Know Before Traveling to Russia

Russian Vocabulary You Need to Know Before Traveling to Russia Basic vocabulary to know before going to Russia ChaptersHow to learn Russian vocabularyWhat vocabulary do you definitely need to learn before you leave?Thanks to its unique landscapes and its unmissable monuments, Russia is currently experiencing a real tourist boom!In 2013, more than 27 million foreign tourists went to admire the Motherland. Unfortunately, many of them had to call in a translator or could only speak with the natives who knew English, whether they were in Russia as tourists or even those who went to work.However, learning the language of Tolstoy before you travel will allow you to establish a real rapport with the natives and help improve American-Russian relations.Here's some basic Russian vocabulary so you can hit the ground running on your trip!Dictionary of Russian Slang and Colloquial Expressions by Vladimir Shlyakhov and Eve AdlerIt should be borne in mind, however, that most vocabulary textbooks are intended for beginners and will not help you become bilingual in Russian.To get a good level of Russian, it i s best to sign up for lessons in a language school with a Russian teacher. Find Russian classes London wide or in Glasgow with Superprof, where you can  begin studying Russian literature in the original language!Learn Russian vocabulary via appsBecoming an expert in Slavic languages and learning a foreign language at home is totally possible thanks to all the Russian courses available online!These free Russian courses are available on smartphone, tablet or computer and are aimed at a younger audience, who is happy to use new technologies. Russian-speaking families wishing to instill Dostoevsky's language in their children can install fun and entertaining applications on their tablets in just a few clicks.What’s the advantage?You’ll be able to study your vocabulary from anywhere, even during a flight on the way to Russia!Indeed, most applications are available offline, which lets you study your Russian vocabulary while on public transport, traveling or at work.Here are some of ou r top picks of applications to help you expand your Russian vocabulary:FluentURussian by Living LanguageLearn Russian Words for FreeLearn Russian. Speak RussianLearn Russian by Greg VickBabbel’s Learn RussianDuolingoLearn Russian in 6,000 wordsU-Learn Advanced RussianThe applications use mnemonic means to engage all three types of memory (visual, auditory and motor memory). The beginner Russian student can follow their progress and boost their level of Russian by adjusting the difficulty of the exercises as their knowledge grows.To learn new Russian vocabulary without your head exploding, the apps are a great learning tool!Learn Russian vocabulary onlineWhether it’s in order to prepare to study abroad, go and work in Russia, or even to just take a trip, students of the language can easily create their own study guides with the vocabulary they can find online.Why not learn how to speak Russian colloquially with a native language speaker?The top sites for learning Russian offer a complete vocabulary, grouped into several categories (personal pronouns, travel, Russian numbers, etc.). You can find online courses suitable for all ages: with exercises that range from the beginner to expert level, which is ideal for self-study as a beginner.Learning to read Russian can be done in many various ways, be inventive!Here’s a list of some of our top picks for sites to improve your Russian vocabulary:russ,Lingohut,Wikiversity,Master Russian,Evaneos,Study languages online,Everyday Russian language.Worried that you’ll struggle to learn to write Russian well through websites?Do not panic: most sites offer a Cyrillic keyboard. Learners can still practice writing a word and reproduce it on a sheet of paper in order to perfectly master the letters and symbols of the Russian alphabet.A perfect way to perfect your Russian language skills and be prepared to fend for yourself once in Russia!What vocabulary do you definitely need to learn before you leave?Introducing yourself in RussianWhen traveling abroad, it is essential to know how to present oneself correctly when speaking to natives.In Russia, unlike in English-speaking countries, it is not normal to use too many niceties or to smile at strangers: as a general rule, especially in the north of the country, a smile is reserved only for close friends or the family.However, it is necessary to master basic conversational phrases, especially if you want to be able to speak with Russian colleagues or other native students of the largest country in the world!Here are the Russian terms you must learn in order to blend into the Russian landscape:Yes: ??,No: ???,Hello: ??????,Good day: ??????????,Good morning: ?????? ????,Good afternoon: ?????? ????,Good evening: ?????? ?????,Good bye: ?? ????????,How are yoy: ??? ???? ?,What’s your name (informal): ??? ??? ????? ?,My name is: ???? ?????,Where are you from: ?????? ?? ????? ?,How old are you: ??????? ???? ??? ?,Please: ??????????,Thank you: ???????,It was ni ce to meet you: ??????? ???? ?????????????.It’s also well worth taking the time to study the etymology of Russian words, which will help give you an insight into Russian culture and history. In order to become a true polyglot, we’d recommend not just focussing on Russian vocabulary, but also learning all the fine points of Slavic grammar!Finding a job in RussiaWhether they’re in Moscow, St Petersburg, or in Novossibirsk…altogether, there are about 30,000 Americans who have chosen to call Russia home!Since you’ll be expert in the Russian language yourself, you can visit all the top tourist attractions in Russia without needing to hire an interpreter!Generally, Americans living in Russia can be divided into two categories: those who have been expatriated with their companies (these often make up the bulk of the expat population), and those who have made the choice to find work in the country for personal or professional reasons.Whether their goal is to find a job in the Russ ian Federation or to study abroad, Americans will need to master Russian grammar and Russian writing (and forget about the Latin alphabet and their mother tongue) in order to succeed!Here is the essential vocabulary for a job interview in Russia:I’m looking for a job: ? ??? ??????,I’m looking for a part-time job: ? ??? ?????? ?? ???????? ??????? ????,I’d like to work full time: ? ????? ?? ???????? ?????? ??????? ????,Here’s my resume: ??? ??? ??????,I have a college degree: ? ????????? ????????,Here’s a list of references: ??? ?????? ???? ????????????,I have a work permit: ? ???? ???? ?????????? ?? ??????,Professional experience: ???? ??????,Pre-tax salary: ??????-????????,Net salary: ?????????? ????? ?????,I’ve specialised in: ???????????????? ?? …,Work extra hours: ????????????.You should know that the average salary in Russia is $1058 per month. In order to support themselves more easily, Russian workers are more likely to work overtime than Americans.With a good do se of motivation, you will easily find employment and become bilingual in Russian!Knowing how to write Russian is an additional factor that can help you find work easier.Visiting Russia as a touristWith 23 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Russia is experiencing strong growth in international tourism, and with good reason!Whether you’re going to visit the Bolshoi, the Red Square or the Kremlin, our compatriots will need to learn to speak at least basic Russian and pronounce Russian correctly, often by signing up for a few Russian classes.Being able to speak Russian makes it possible to speak directly to the natives and gives you the chance to discover places that might be inaccessible to non-Russian speakers!Here is the vocabulary to use during your stay in Russia:I’m lost: ? ??????????,How do I get to…?  : ??? ??? ????????? ?? … ?,Downtown: ?????? ??????,The train station: ???????,The airport: ?????????,The embassy: ??????????,Where can I find…?: ??? ? ???? ????? … ?,A hotel : ?????,A supermarket: ???????????,A metro station: ??????? ?????,an atm: ????????,Where can I buy a bus ticket?: ??? ? ???? ?????? ????? ?? ???????  ?,Where is the car rental agency?: ??? ??? ?????? ???????????  ?,Turn left: ????????? ??????,Turn right: ????????? ???????,Go straight: ????? ?????.By mastering greeting and directions, an English speaker will be able to avoid hiring a translator when in Russia, and will even learn new words in Russian to enrich their Slavic vocabulary.Travelling is also a great opportunity to get a few free language lessons from native language speakers!Idiomatic expressions in RussianThe holy grail of every language student, mastering idiomatic expressions demonstrates a true understanding of a country’s language and culture!Are you prepared for the harsh Russian winters?The reasons for learning Russian expressions is twofold: the student will not only be able to understand colloquial Russian usage but will also discover the origins of idioms, whic h can help give you a better understanding into the national psyche.Here are some idiomatic expressions to remember:Leave without saying anything: ???? ??-?????????,By heart: ????????,Throw oil on the fire: ????????? ????? ? ?????,Lie through your teeth: ????? ??? ????? ?????,Have the head in the clouds: ?????? ? ???????,To have a chat ?????? ????,To sleep like the dead: ???? ? ???????? ??????,It’s in the bag: ???? ? ????? _delo v chl’ape_,All roads lead to Rome: ??? ?????? ????? ? ???,Gilding the lily: ??????????? ??????,Put the cart before the horse: Brositsia v past livu.Learning Russian online or through private lessons with a native speaker can help you learn about another culture and discover the official language of the largest country in the world.So, why not start with the basic vocabulary?

English Idioms Related to Happiness and Sadness - Intermediate English

English Idioms Related to Happiness and Sadness - Intermediate English Sometimes it can be hard to show happiness and  sadness to other people. There are many idioms related to happiness and sadness in English. Let’s learn some of them so you can express your happiness (or sadness)  in any social situation. 12 English Idioms Related to Happiness and Sadness 1. GET A (REAL) KICK OUT OF SOMETHINGto enjoy something very muchExample: This show is just the kind you like and you’ll get a real kick out of it.2. IM THRILLED TO BITS  to be extremely happyExample: Kathy was thrilled to bits to win the main prize.3. JUMP FOR JOYto be very happy and excited about something that has happenedExample: The student was jumping for joy as she took silver medal in the women’s high-jump competition.4. TO WALK ON AIRto be very happy about something that has happenedExample: I was walking on air since Chris asked me to marry him.5. TO MAKE YOUR DAYsomething makes you feel very happyExample: My husband came home with flowers for me, this really made my day! Idioms about Happiness and Sadness - Infographics Enjoyed this infographic? Here’s what you can do next: 6. TO BE OUT OF SORTSto be slightly ill or slightly unhappyExample: Jason was out of sorts and decided to stay at home.7. DOWN IN THE DUMPSto be unhappy or sad (informal)Example: Everyone feels down in the dumps once in a while.8. NOT THE END OF THE WORLD  nothing serious, it’s no big dealExample: If you don’t finish this task by the end of this week, it’s not the end of the world. 9. A   MISERY GUTSsomeone who is miserable and unhappyExample: I’m such a misery guts lately, I complain all the time.10. SOUR GRAPESsomeone is unhappy due to jealousyExample: She didn’t think I deserved to win, but I think it’s just sour grapes.11. GRIN AND BEAR ITto accept a difficult situation as there is no other choiceExample: My sister started a new job last week and doesn’t get on well with her boss, I’ve told her that she’d better just grin and bear it.12. HAPPY AS LARRYto be very happy (New Zealand/Australian slang)Example: He was happy as Larry  eating a huge piece of cake.Who actually was Larry?  It is believed to be originated from an Australin middleweight boxer called Larry Foley in the 1870s. He won a prize of £1,000 before boxing was fully legalised. An article was published in New Zealand newspaper with a headline on its front page  Happy as Larry and this phrase stuck.Please, make sure to learn at least 10 out of 12 English idioms related to happiness a nd sadness! Indeed, 12 is always better.Did we make your day? Now continue learning English idioms and English Grammar online:IDIOMS DESCRIBING CHARACTER AND PERSONALITYENGLISH IDIOMS WITH TWO WORDSENGLISH VOCABULARY RELATED TO LOSING YOUR JOBENGLISH IDIOMS ABOUT COMMUNICATIONMore English idioms  related to happiness and sadness can be found  here English Idioms about Happiness and Sadness - Images

When Businesses are Unethical - Business English Listening

When Businesses are Unethical - Business English Listening Business English classesWe have some great business English classes  that help you improve your English for  negotiating, giving presentations, participating in meetings and engaging in small talk. As part of these classes, we have designed lessons that include several topics.One of the theme based topics is business ethics.  It turns out, thanks to several recent high profile scandals, that this is the perfect time to talk about business ethics.In todays listening exercise we look at three recent scandals that are examples of businesses behaving unethically.Business English Class One: Story  1: Big Pharma Goes Bad  Answer questions in comments, and well respond.1. Why did he hike up the price of the drug (according to this video)? 2. Is there another drug that has the same effects and is used for the same treatment? 3. What did social media do? 4. What does she mean by seeing a perfect storm?  a) There is a hurricane. b) You can see lightning in the distance. c) An expression that d escribes a rare combination of circumstances, 5. Has Martin Shkreli ever raised drug prices before? Does your country have this problem? Does your government regulate medication prices?Business English Class TwoStory  2: Killer Peanuts 1. Does the punishment ____ the crime? 2. How long might Parnell spend in prison? 3. What was different about this particular case in the peanut factory versus other outbreaks? 4. Are these normal charges for a food company? 5. What did Parnells daughter say about the peanut butter?Can you answer the first question?  Business English Class ThreeStory  3: Volkswagen BustedClick here to watch the video.Why did the CEO of Volkswagen resign?What countries are opening investigations about Volkswagen?Would the people who bought the VW have made more for a greener car?Were the three people interviewed negative or positive about buying a VW in the future?Shares in the brand have ________.What do you think the repercussions should be for Volkswagen?  Finally, we  would like to open a discussion on who is responsible in corporations, when governments should  step in, and whether  CEOs and executives be held criminally accountable for their actions. What do you think? How strict are the business regulations in your country? What are the most recent business scandals?Ok, type your answers in comments and well respond.

Archeology - Tutor Hunt Blog

Archeology Archeology ArcheologySubjectsThe AQA - assessment and qualifications alliance - announced in October that it would be removing both A-level and AS level Archeology from the syllabus. Students currently studying the subject will of course be able to complete it, but it will not be taught to a new set of pupils from next September.Many have been outraged by this decision, seeing it as a move to erode cultural understanding and wider social issues. Daniel Boatright, the teacher of Archeology at Worcester Sixth Form College, has said that that subjects outside mainstream academia are hugely beneficial to pupils, enabling them to discover skills that would otherwise have `been left undiscovered.` Dr Boatright has said it is `extremely naive` to restrict the curriculum to only the major academic subjects, and has launched an online petition to have the Archeology reinstated. This petition, which has collected more than 13,000 signatures, is headed by ; the words of the Roman philosopher Cicero: `To b e ignorant of what went before you were born is to remain always a child.`The actor Tony robinson, who presents numerous archeology TV shows, including the popular Time Team, has been strongly opposed to the excision of A-Level Archeology from the syllabus. Talking to the Guardian Newspaper, he said `To take away the chance for children to study archaeology at A-level seems to me to be a barbaric act How could you remove such a tranche of valuable subjects from our A-levels? The removal of all that knowledge is awful It feels like the Visigoths at the gates of Rome!`Mike Heyworth, The Director of the council for British Archeology, has stated that `This is disastrous news for archaeology. Another vital route into the study of the subject is being removed.`AQA has the jurisdiction to remove the subject simply because it is the only examining body permitting students to study the Archaeology before university. Demand for the subject has not been particularly high over recent years, with just 369 students sitting the exam in in 2016, and an additional 621 taking the AS level test.Along with the AQA exam board`s announcement of the dropping of A-level and AS level Archeology, a number of other niche subjects are being phased our of the curriculum. Classical Civilisation along with Citizenship studies and Communication and Culture will also be removed from the 2017 syllabus.As of the 1st of December however it was announced that Art History A-Level, which was due to be dropped, will remain as a qualification. It seems like the subject got a last minute reprieve, and was only saved by a high profile campaign to keep it on the syllabus. The historian Simon Schama described the decision to drop the subject as `a big dull axe wielded by cultural pygmies` Others prominent figures who fought against the scrapping of Art History included the artists Cornelia Parker, Anish Kapoor and Jeremy Deller, along with the Director of the Tate Gallery Nicholas Serota. `Art history is the study of power, politics, identity and humanity. It makes perfect sense to keep the exam,` said Jeremy Deller `The arts are one of the great strengths of the UK and I am pleased that A-level provision in art history will not be interrupted for students starting sixth form in 2017,` said Dr Gabriele Finaldi, director of the National Gallery.Many have said that if the UK is to remain competitive, and improve its standards of education - it ranked a lovely 23 in the international 2013 PISA scoring - it must focus more on the core academic subjects, and less on the more eclectic humanities. Many would retort that it is just these so called eclectic subjects that provide the greatest lessons regarding society and humanity. During the Second world war, when he was asked to cut the arts budget, Winston Churchill apparently replied: `Then what are we fighting for?` 3 years ago0Add a Comment

GCSE Reform 2015

GCSE Reform 2015 http://tinyurl.com/o6lm44l Out with the old and in with the new. From September 2015 new GCSEs will be taught in schools and colleges across England. Year 9 students who will be making their GCSE choices this year, will unearth a change to the mandatory subjects; English Language, English Literature, and Maths. With GCSE starters seeing a change to all subjects by September 2019. The maths GCSE will be more 'challenging' with emphasis on problem solving. It will be assessed wholly by exam, so the option of coursework to secure partial marks is no more. This could add an increased stress and pressure to students who do not perform well under examination. English Language GCSE will remain compulsory, with 20% of the final mark focussing purely on punctuation and grammar. Secondary school students will now have a choice in partaking in the English Literature GCSE, as this is no longer a compulsory subject. Unusually, grading will now be used on a scale of 9-1 opposed to A*-F. Assessment will be mainly by exam with the choice of only 2 tiers; Foundation and Higher. With GCSEs looking tougher than ever, it's time to study hard and boost your exam grades.

What Its Like Being Happy

What It's Like Being Happy Photo by natalieecollins via Instagram. My friends, family, random acquaintances, and even those I’m not particularly fond of are able to tell. They know that I’m happy. Some of them say that they’re genuinely excited for me, when I know that they’re not. Several seem almost mad about it. That’s jealously and selfishness, and you can’t really expect more from people, I’m afraid. Some could care less. Others seem legitimately pleased and tell me things like “If anyone deserves this, it’s you”, or “I’m so glad things are finally turning around for you”. I like when they’re able to feel happy from my happiness. Genuine happiness can’t be taken away from you either; you can only spread the disease to more and more people. I can’t even begin to describe you what happiness has done for my overall health. My long list of prescriptions is starting to dwindle down; you’re more likely to find me outside in the sun than in bed hiding under my covers; I notice myself being comfortable with complete strangers, and because of this, I’ve made more friends in a few weeks then I did in a whole semester. I’m a more thoughtful and compassionate person, acquaintance, best friend, sister, daughter than usual. Instead of being consumed with my struggles and shortcomings, I try to help others see the brighter side of their own. I’m basically Mother Teresa these days. Your question is probably the same as mine â€"  how the hell did this happen? How can I achieve this blissful emotion you speak of? I wish I knew the answer. Part of me believes in karma, not that I’ve had a particularly tragic life that’s rewarded me with this period of peace. Another part of me thinks that whatever medication I’m on is really working this time. The spiritual side of me has determined that I’ve always been happy, and it just took a bit of digging and uncovering to find it. Whatever the case may be, the whole of me knows that if this isn’t nice, I don’t know what is.