Diplomatherapy – Nail D3 in 2023!
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Listen here to Anne’s episodes discussing the 2022 and 2021 Theory examiners’ reports
Join Diplomatherapy on this page and benefit from Interpreting Wine’s exclusive bonuses!
These bonuses are…
- Bonus 1: The Interpreting Wine Diploma Episode Checklist. Access all the Diploma exam technique podcast episodes from a single page. Includes QR codes for speedy listening. Saving you considerable time and effort accessing episodes and increasing the likelihood you will revisit and learn them.
- Bonus 2: A private Interpreting Wine podcast feed, including all current and future Diploma exam technique episodes in one place. Saving you considerable time and effort accessing episodes and meaning you can dip in and out of them as needed
- Bonus 3: A second private Interpreting Wine podcast feed, including all regional episodes in one place, organised by region. Saving you considerable time and effort accessing episodes and meaning you can navigate straight to the region of interest.
- Bonus 4: The full transcript of Episode 537 covering the seven most commonly made exam mistakes. Allowing you to navigate directly to areas of interest and read along while you listen.
- Bonus 5: The full transcript of Episode 488 covering the eight most commonly made exam mistakes. Allowing you to navigate directly to areas of interest and read along while you listen.
This set of bonuses will not be offered together again after 2023.
Scroll down to learn more about what’s included in Diplomatherapy! And to take immediate advantage of these special Interpreting Wine offers, sign up via the links below.
I keep hearing the same things from
Diploma D3, D4 and D5 Theory candidates
“I won’t have time to memorise this entire online book before the exams 😩”
“I don’t how others stay motivated with the huge amount of theory content – I’m finding it a real struggle to force myself to study it.”
“I’m not sure how to apply the content in the theory exams in exactly the way the examiners are expecting”
“I don’t want to have to spend the money and time on re-sitting these exams”
“This just isn’t how I wanted to feel as a Diploma student”
The biggest issue here is that every time you find yourself feeling like this, or repeating one of these comments, there is a knock-on effect that you won’t always be aware of.
Your confidence takes a hit
Your energy and enthusiasm drops
Doubts creep in
“Am I really cut out for this?”
The good news is that, by embarking upon the WSET Diploma in the first place, you’re already operating at a very high level
You have taken a leap that most people who have completed WSET Level 3 wouldn’t even contemplate.
You just need to remember that successful Diploma students come from all sorts of backgrounds and experiences. There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ way to success.
You just need to align your study and exam model with your skillset and personality.
Once you align your personal strengths and weaknesses with the way you approach this exam, everything changes. But how do you do that?
I’ve coached and taught hundreds of Diploma Theory candidates over the past six years and I see the struggles they have.
Struggles like:
- Thinking you need to learn the entire online book, and so copying it out in bullet points or onto flash cards, and then not having time to memorise it
- Studying in a location where there aren’t a lot of other Diploma students, and feeling isolated without a supportive community
- Lacking accountability; no one is checking in with you to see if you’re keeping on track with your study plan so you let it drift, and in the meantime the exams are drawing nearer and nearer
- Feeling like you are doing your best to learn the material but then getting a disappointing mark on an assignment and not understanding why you didn’t answer the question correctly
And, perhaps the biggest one, trying to apply a cookie-cutter approach to your studies, based on what educators or fellow students have told you worked for them.
It doesn’t have to be this way!
One-size-fits-all simply doesn’t work.
This is why in my signature Diplomatherapy course there are elements to tackle each student’s individual strengths and weaknesses when it comes to the D3, D4 and D5 exams.
- Because we are not all the same. We learn differently, at different speeds, we apply our strengths differently.
- Your personality, your strengths and your skills are your biggest assets, so you need to work in a way that enhances and embraces these skills.
The Diploma candidates I see out there need support with different elements depending on their unique personality.
- All benefit from the core teachings in my signature programme, Diplomatherapy, which teaches the step-by-step foundational method that I myself used to score a high mark in these exams. Diplomatherapy Signature covers study and exam technique for both the Theory and Tasting parts of the D3 exams – and the techniques it teaches can be applied equally to D4 and D5 too.
- Some students need extra support with theory exam technique: how to structure answers and how to avoid the key pitfalls which are continually highlighted in the examiners’ reports
- Others require support with accountability, motivation and keeping them on track with the vast amount of content
Because, whilst studying for the Diploma exams, you should feel
Stimulated; intellectually challenged; enjoying your passion for wine
In control
Supported
Yet so often, not addressing your personal challenges can leave you feeling
Overwhelmed
Isolated and on the verge of giving up
Like you’ve completely lost touch with why you signed up in the first place: your passion for wine!
INTRODUCING
Diplomatherapy®
Anne McHale MW’s signature step-by-step system to take you from D3, D4 and D5
OVERWHELM to SUCCESS!
Imagine the RELIEF and PRIDE* you’ll feel when you open that results email and you’ve PASSED – all because you chose to get the support you needed 💪🏻
(*and the Champagne you’ll drink 😜🍾)
This course is for you if…
01
You’re taking the D3, D4 or D5 modules of the WSET Diploma in 2023 or 2024
You feel overwhelmed and daunted by the sheer scale of what they cover (particularly D3, but you’d like to get a handle on effective study techniques for D4 and D5 too!)
You need to maximise the time left to you before the exams, and to fit your study efficiently around your busy life so that you only have to sit each of these modules ONCE. You want to save TIME ⏱ and EFFORT 🏋🏻♂️!
Just a quick note to thank you for the role you played in my successful completion of my Diploma (overall Pass with Merit) Your advice around revising to the level of grade you want rather than covering every detail was invaluable in allowing me to focus on the things that mattered. Equally, your emphasis on understanding the question, sticking to the point and relating everything back to style, quality and price is key to passing D3.
Your Diplomatherapy course definitely contains gems of wisdom that are simply not available elsewhere. I appreciate the value you add in the critical area of exam technique, an area in which many students lack knowledge.
WHAT IS DIPLOMATHERAPY?
Is it a group programme?
Is it theory masterclasses?
Is it support with accountability and motivation?
Well actually, it’s all of these in one.
Diplomatherapy Signature, Anne’s classic and much-lauded self-study course, is designed around the D3 module since this is the most challenging one to pass, but the techniques it teaches will help equally with D4 and D5 – and, as Anne always says, it is better to get started with the correct techniques sooner rather than later!
Diplomatherapy comprises 10 modules and 6 amazing bonuses, including support from Anne any time in the online group forum, with optional group accountability check-ins to keep you on track.
New joiners will also benefit from four punchy, to-the-point, live D3 theory masterclasses/Q&A (breaking down one past question in depth each time) between July and October 2023. They will take place on the first Monday of every month, alternating between 6pm and 1pm UK time to cover most time zones.
We start on Monday 3rd July, 6pm BST (replay will be sent if you can’t attend live) looking at the below question from the February 2022 D3 exam (a question which had a pass rate of only 51% 😱).
Questions for the other masterclasses will be voted on nearer the time.
Explain how and why the following wines differ in style and price:
a) Petit Chablis AC
b) Le Montrachet Grand Cru AOC
c) Pouilly-Fuissé AOC
If what you really need is that extra level of private support and you/your employer have the funds to invest in your exam success, then you have the opportunity to apply for Diplomatherapy Platinum where you will get direct access to bespoke one-on-one D3 Theory (or D4/D5 if you wish) online coaching with Anne. Her time is limited, so the price is premium and only three of four available spots remain.
Full details are below.
Here’s what you’re going to cover on the course:
MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION
- What Diplomatherapy isn’t
- What it IS
Module 2: The vastness of D3 – where do I start?!
- Answer: with a study plan! Anne’s top tips
Module 2: The vastness of D3 – where do I start?!
- Answer: with a study plan! Anne’s top tips
MODULE 3: DIPLOMATHERAPY – PRIME YOUR MIND AND BODY FOR SUCCESS
- How to utilise the natural power of your mind to nail this exam first time round
MODULE 4: HOW TO STUDY FOR THE TASTING EXAM: PART 1
- The tasting exam: my take
- Invaluable study hacks for tasting preparation – tried and tested by Anne
- Practical tips that often get forgotten
MODULE 5: HOW TO STUDY FOR THE TASTING EXAM: PART 2
- Practise tasting with my ‘extremes’ technique
- Practise dry tasting conclusion answers with my three signature answer formulae to get you full marks in quality, ageability and variety/country/region conclusions every time
- Mini-mocks – how and when to take them
MODULE 6: HOW TO STUDY FOR THE THEORY EXAM: PART 1
- D1 and D2 recap
- How much detail do I need to remember?
- CONCEPTS + FACTORS + relate to style, quality & price
- Study templates + numerical data
MODULE 7: HOW TO STUDY FOR THE THEORY EXAM: PART 2
- Memorisation techniques
- Know key question verbs
- Keep a list of controversies (SWOT)
- Worked theory example with dos and don’ts
MODULE 8: THE RUN-UP TO THE EXAMS
- The ONE trick you need to know to be at your best on the exam days
- The most important time-saving exam tricks to learn in advance
MODULE 9: IN THE EXAM
- Anne’s exam mindset tips
- Anne’s practical & common sense tips for success
- Anne’s exam hacks so you don’t forget any important content
MODULE 10: SUMMING IT ALL UP
- Anne’s final pep talk: see you at graduation!
As a tutor, Anne McHale made an impression on me while I was studying at the WSET London School, so I registered for her Diplomatherapy classes. I am glad I did. As a Diploma student who has to do a lot of self-study over an extended period of time, there are questions and doubts that constantly crop up. Anne’s sessions are well-structured and aligned with these, and her personal insights helped a lot. She helped me find motivation and focus as well, a bonus during the difficult times of COVID-19.
Module 1: Introduction
- What Diplomatherapy isn’t
- What it IS
Module 2: The vastness of D3 – where do I start?!
- Answer: with a study plan! Anne’s top tips
Module 3: DiplomaTHERAPY – prime your mind and body for success
- How to utilise the natural power of your mind to nail this exam first time round
Module 4: How to study for the tasting exam: part 1
- The tasting exam: my take
- Invaluable study hacks for tasting preparation – tried and tested by Anne
- Practical tips that often get forgotten
Module 5: How to study for the tasting exam: part 2
- Practise tasting with my ‘extremes’ technique
- Practise dry tasting conclusion answers with my three signature answer formulae to get you full marks in quality, ageability and variety/country/region conclusions every time
- Mini-mocks – how and when to take them
Module 6: How to study for the theory exam: part 1
- D1 and D2 recap
- How much detail do I need to remember?
- CONCEPTS + FACTORS + relate to style, quality & price
- Study templates + numerical data
Module 7: How to study for the theory exam: part 2
- Memorisation techniques
- Know key question verbs
- Keep a list of controversies (SWOT)
- Worked theory example with dos and don’ts
Module 8: The run-up to the exams
- The ONE trick you need to know to be at your best on the exam days
- The most important time-saving exam tricks to learn in advance
Module 9: In the exam
- Anne’s exam mindset tips
- Anne’s practical & common sense tips for success
- Anne’s exam hacks so you don’t forget any important content
Module 10: Summing it all up
- Anne’s final pep talk: see you at graduation!
As a tutor, Anne McHale made an impression on me while I was studying at the WSET London School, so I registered for her Diplomatherapy classes. I am glad I did. As a Diploma student who has to do a lot of self-study over an extended period of time, there are questions and doubts that constantly crop up. Anne’s sessions are well-structured and aligned with these, and her personal insights helped a lot. She helped me find motivation and focus as well, a bonus during the difficult times of COVID-19.
Pretty comprehensive, no? The even BETTER news is that when you sign up for this round of Diplomatherapy you ALSO benefit from…WAIT FOR IT…
NINE BONUSES (TEN IF YOU JOIN US BY 2ND JULY)!
Bonus 1
The Ultimate D3 Theory Study Notes Template, with a worked example
– Showing you exactly how to structure your study notes to summarise information in the most exam-friendly, efficient way possible
Bonus 2
An example of a distinction-level theory answer
– Showing you exactly how to approach a sample exam question
Bonus 3
The dedicated private online forum which is a friendly & supportive community of fellow Diploma students and where Anne will pop in to check up on you, hold you accountable, answer your burning questions and MOTIVATE you to keep going!
Bonus 4
A worked video example, talked through by Anne, of how best to extract information from the Online Book according to The Ultimate D3 Study Notes Template (Bonus 1) – invaluable for making sure you’re going about this in the right way
Bonus 5
Recorded training workshops + Q&A with previous Diplomatherapy students
– including detailed coverage of my tips for how to approach specific mock theory exam questions and ‘dry’ tasting answers for the conclusions sections. Students have found this content INVALUABLE in helping them understand exactly what it is the examiners are looking for.
Bonus 6
A tasting exam preparation sheet, detailing the styles of wines you need to buy & taste together in flights of three in order to replicate as closely as possible the conditions of the D3 tasting exam – and to help you avoid wasting time by tasting unnecessary wines.
Bonus 7
A live D4 and D5 Theory workshop on Wednesday 19th July 6pm BST looking in-depth at a sample exam question from each module
(A replay will be sent to those who cannot make it live)
Bonus 8
Four live D3 live theory masterclasses and Q&A sessions between July and October 2023. They will take place on the first Monday of every month, alternating between 6pm and 1pm UK time to cover most time zones (replays will be available).
Bonus 9
A recorded masterclass with inspirational coach Beth Hocking with tips and hacks on how to move from Exam PROCRASTINATION TO EXAM motivation – invaluable!
You will also benefit from exclusive Diplomatherapy-only discounts on all Anne's other trainings and masterclasses, including the second season of her very popular D3 Guest Expert Series
AND…DRUM ROLL…FINAL BONUS BELOW FOR EARLY BIRDS!
⬇️
TENTH AND FINAL BONUS - ONLY FOR THOSE WHO REGISTER BY MIDNIGHT BST ON SUNDAY 2ND JULY
Another LIVE masterclass on Wednesday 5th July 6pm BST (replay will be sent to those who cannot make it live):
‘The SWOT Analysis Formula: Never again be lost for what to write in a question on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and/or threats!’
The modules & bonuses add up to 7+ hours of invaluable video teaching content, several indispensable documents and templates, AND support from Anne any time you need it in the online community as you progress through this journey.
DON’T EMBARK UPON THIS JOURNEY ALONE – JOIN US!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I get access to everything at once or do I have to wait?
Once you sign up, all the modules and bonuses will be available for you to binge-watch, Netflix-style! Anne advises that you watch them as soon as possible to get a feel for the overall system before you start implementing it.
How can I be sure that Diplomatherapy is for me?
I understand that you want to be sure that Diplomatherapy is right for you, especially as sales are final. If three or more of the following statements resonate with you, then Diplomatherapy will help:
You…
– Feel overwhelmed by the sheer size and scale of the D3 module and don’t know where to start
– Have already started, but you’ve effectively ended up copying out all the notes almost word-for-word and realised you won’t have time to get through it all
– Are nervous about the tasting exam and don’t know how to prepare effectively for it without tasting all the wines of the world again!
– Are unsure how to approach the questions in the theory exam and don’t know exactly what it is the examiners are looking for
– Haven’t taken exams for a long time and are out of practice
– Are based in a country where there aren’t lots of other Diploma students to share tips with, or where you don’t get a lot of extra support from your APP
– Suffer from exam nerves and panic even when you know the material
There are some people who DON’T need Diplomatherapy. It isn’t for you if you…
– Are an experienced exam-taker and are confident that you know what examiners are looking for
– Are studying at an APP that already offers you a lot of extra support around study and exam technique
– Want a ‘done-for you’ summary of the D3 notes rather than being taught the most strategic ways to summarise and apply the content yourself (which in my opinion is more effective)
– Are not prepared to put in the hard graft yourself by applying my system to get you to the next level – it’s not a magic pill and will still need a great deal of input from you!
THAT SAID – if you ARE prepared to put in the work and follow my tips and tricks, the system will DRAMATICALLY increase the effectiveness of the hours you put in, saving you time, money and stress!
Anne, what if I buy and want a refund? What’s the policy?
As this is a digital product and offers instant access to super-exclusive, valuable resources and tips, all sales are final.
Understandably you want to be sure before investing in yourself, however, so if you have any niggling concerns or queries and would like to talk these through with Anne, you can book a free 15-minute Zoom Clarity Call in her calendar, or email her at anne@annemchale.com.
Is there an expiry date for the programme?
Yes. You will retain access to the materials and to Anne’s support in the online forum until either November 2023 or June 2024, depending on which option you sign up for. If you sign up until November and end up postponing any of your exams you can choose to extend your access afterwards if you wish.
Do you offer a theory-only option?
There isn’t currently a theory-only option; however if you are a theory-only student you will still benefit hugely from the programme. Lots of the content is theory-focused, from the modules on how to study for the theory to the pre-exam and ‘in the exam’ modules. There’s also a great deal of focus on the theory in the recorded workshops.
And for new joiners we have added in in a monthly 30-minute live D3 theory masterclass, included in the price, on the first Monday of every month between July and October (alternating between 6pm and 1pm UK time to hit all time zones!) 😊
Do you offer extra tasting support as well as theory options?
There is an entire step-by-step guide to approaching the tasting part of D3 (equally helpful for D4 and D5) in Diplomatherapy Signature, so by joining either of the two levels you will benefit from that. You can also get excellent support with the exam technique part of the tasting exams by signing up for the ‘dry’ version of the D3 Tasting Workshop.
Due to the online nature of the programme and the associated challenges of sending wines to different locations around the world, Anne has decided with the extra support not to include a tasting component.
Additionally, the pass rate is much higher for the tasting exams than for theory, which is another reason why the Platinum level focuses on theory support.
The bespoke, personalised nature of the Platinum level, however, does lend itself to personalised advice on tasting strategy if required, and Anne will be happy to advise on this for all Platinum participants.
I have more questions. How do I get in touch?
Understandably you want to be sure before investing in yourself, however, so if you have any niggling concerns or queries and would like to talk these through with Anne, you can book a free 15-minute Zoom Clarity Call in her calendar, or email her at anne@annemchale.com.
Anne was a role model when I studied for the WSET Diploma and she remains an inspiration today. One of the best coaches I’ve ever come across.
Diplomatherapy – Your Investment Options for Nailing D3 in 2023
(and D4 and D5, and in 2024, but that’s not as catchy 😂)
Diplomatherapy Signature
Access to all Diplomatherapy content & bonuses until after the D3, D4 and D5 exams in Autumn 2023 (access until mid-November as standard, or extend until June 2024 – details below) – including ask Anne your questions any time in the online Circle group forum.
New joiners will also benefit from four punchy, to-the-point, live theory masterclasses and Q&A sessions between July and October 2023. They will take place on the first Monday of every month, alternating between 6pm and 1pm UK time to cover most time zones.
*** 10 Modules ***
*** 9 Amazing Bonuses (10 if you join us by 2nd July! ***
7+ hours of invaluable video teaching content (this ALONE would cost you upwards of £1,000 if you were to hire Anne to teach it to you privately)
Access until either November or June to the modules, the bonuses and to Anne’s personal expertise to answer your questions in the online forum (again, access to her expertise privately would cost you £100s more on top of the video content)
TOTAL VALUE £2,000+!
Diplomatherapy Theory Platinum
You will have access to everything in Signature, plus:
- Private live orientation call with Anne
- Personalised feedback on one theory assignment per month in July, August, September and October with a live call to follow up on each assignment
- Personal weekly accountability text or email check-in from Anne
- One additional email or Voxer question per week
- Bespoke study plan recommendations
TOTAL VALUE = PRICELESS!
Meet Anne
Anne McHale is an inspirational coach and experienced Diploma educator. Her signature style is direct, clear and to-the-point; she will give you tough love where it’s needed!
Despite this, her own experiences of navigating first the arduous WSET Diploma and then the even more gruelling Master of Wine exams, and overcoming her challenges to win awards in both, have given her an in-depth understanding of what it really takes to tackle exams at this level, and have made her coaching style compassionate as well as effective.
She will never make you feel silly for any question you ask or doubt you may have. Having Anne in your corner will be a huge help in getting you to DipWSET.
The prospect of D3 had left me feeling very anxious, overwhelmed and not knowing where to start. I didn’t know how to approach the questions. Diplomatherapy was particularly helpful in terms of the guidance provided on approaching the questions and tastings. I also felt much more confident going into the exam – very calm and relaxed, using the techniques that Anne had suggested in order to approach each question.
I started out overwhelmed by the D3 content. The parts of Diplomatherapy which helped the most were the modules on how to get into the right mindset, what to study and how to structure answers. Everything then was wrapped up in theory questions that prepared me well for the actual exam. I can highly recommend the programme; the sessions have a good length, great detail and good audio and video. It gave me a very good idea of where to start, what to study and how to structure my answers, and overall gave me confidence in how to approach my studies and pass the exams – I realised that it’s really doable, especially with Anne’s help!
Before embarking on Diplomatherapy I was suffering from an inability to answer the question because I couldn’t decipher what the examiners were looking for. Anne is amazing! She was direct to the point and taught us how to tie the answer back to Style, Quality and Price rather than ‘data dump’. Her Tips and Tricks really helped my confidence going into the exam!
I had a real lack of understanding of what was required for studying D3. Anne’s programme gave clarity on what was required to pass D3 and how to deal with the stressful situations of the exams, as well as the business mindset required, the focus on style, quality and price, how to state the obvious, read the question, time management during the exam…all extremely good advice.
Prior to signing up to the Diplomatherapy programme I felt overwhelmed by the volume of study material and was always unsure if I was using my very precious time to study in the most efficient way. There were many occasions where I began to feel unmotivated and found myself just hoping I was doing enough to just pass the exams. Anne’s programme sets you up with very clear methods for studying, in particular and very helpful to me were the note-taking templates which allow you to break down so much information, enabling you to see so many similarities and in the same way key differences of note. This along with the ability to review her personal videos when you want and as many times as you want has been a fantastic motivator and meant that my time is being used effectively. I do now have more confidence in achieving beyond a pass level. Unfortunately, because of Covid and the rescheduling of classes I am yet to sit an exam. However, I no longer feel so alone or overwhelmed as I work through this vast subject. Anne has put together a fantastic programme. It is well designed and the modular basis makes it easy to move through all of the material.