"Use latest technology to condemn cheating"

September 18, 2019               

Time management is initially significant in every exam. Recently, an article published in BBC to ban watches in exams specifically for A-level or higher in UK addressed this.

1. Digital Media

Digital media is well-groomed in today's era. Smartwatches are connected to the internet and easily accessible for pupils to use during exams. A review, commissioned by exam boards, says it is becoming more difficult to differentiate between hi-tech and traditional watches. Sir John, a former headteachers' union leader, said smartwatches could look like conventional watches, leaving them open to misuse by cheats. All these digital technology increasing the cheating custom in competition exams. Last year, 2,735 pupils had been penalized for cheating. This represented 0.02% of entries and was more common at GCSE level than A-level.

2. Evaluator Commission

Independent Commission of education should need to use the latest equipment to discourage the cheating trend. If smartwatches and other accessories banned in the examination hall, alternative materials must be available for pupils. Similarly, a clock should hang in the front wall during the exam. Examiner should have latest crackers to condemn all these objects which can be used in cheating. Assessment should be crystal clear for every student and no one can criticise UK evaluation system.

"Entering Secondary School"

September 11, 2019               

Secondary school is a big step up from primary school, and it can take children a while to adjust to the changes. Not only are there new uniforms, friendship groups, different classes, and teachers, but there are much more homework and a whole new building to navigate around.

1. One of the biggest challenges

One of the biggest challenges in the new school is learning to be organised. Most pupils find the concept of a new timetable with subjects that they may have never heard of before, with far too many teachers names to remember and in rooms they can not find. Once they finally make it into the classroom and sit down, the last thing they need to worry about is having forgotten books or to do homework. Most schools give first-year pupils settling in period, however, if pupils are still forgetting books by Halloween, they will get into trouble. By being organised, pupils can save themselves the anxiety and stress of being unprepared. Sitting down with your child each night and organising their bag and homework can help them to succeed in the new school.

2. With all these new classes

With all these new classes, teachers and subjects, it is vital that pupils use a homework diary to prepare for the next class. This will ensure that they accurately record all homework and equipment needed for the forthcoming class. Pupils who use a homework diary in each class will be able to manage their workload and plan ahead with projects and assignments.

3. Most first-years have issues

Most first-years have issues at some stage throughout the year. Whether it be getting lost in the building, a friendship problem, lost PE kit, your child can become very upset. The solution here is to know who to turn to. Each class will be given a form teacher who will be a link from home and school, but they are also excellent at solving concerns that are troubling your child. A form of teachers role is to ensure your child feels safe and happy in the school environment so encourage your child to speak with them if there something they can help with. A list of key people, like the Physiologist, Head of Year, Child Protection officer will also be made available to the child if they need to speak to someone instead of their form teacher.

4. Secondary school may

A secondary school may also offer lots of new extracurricular activities from sport, music, drama, ICT or Art. Encourage your child to join a new club as it can increase their knowledge in an area, but also help them make friends with people who share the same interests as them.

Secondary school is a fun learning environment with lots of new classes to enjoy, new subjects to learn and new friendships to be created. Embrace the changes and remember to ask for help if it is needed.

"Choosing the right grammar school for your child"

September 02, 2019               

The 11 plus exams are right around the corner and parents are busy with supporting and preparing their children for the 11 plus exam. Some parents take the exams so seriously that they don’t take a summer holiday so that they can support their child.

Now we need to ask the question, do parents just choose grammar schools randomly? or do they attend open days, look at classrooms and sports facilities, meet with teachers, and let their children decide which school they prefer? Doing all this can still be hard work. When you have so much choice, how do you know which grammar school is the right one for your child?

First, consider your child’s personality:
1. Is your child more academic than sporty?
2. Is your child competitive or more of a team player?
3. Is your child full of confidence or a shy student that will avoid questions?
4. Does your child like taking part in extracurricular activities?

You need to keep in mind that all grammar schools have an atmosphere that is quite competitive, and your child will just be expected 'to keep up' with their studies.

Secondly, the following points are an outline for what you should look for in a grammar school.
Ask friends and family:
1. Ask those friends and family whose children are currently studying or have studied at the grammar school you have chosen.
2. What kind of facilities are there?
3. How is the teaching faculty?
4. What extracurricular does the school provide?

Read school reviews:
1. Reading reviews online or newspaper can be very helpful in judging the school.
2. Read reviews online, especially from parents, teachers, current and alumni students.
3. Check school website for achievements and awards won by the school.
4. What is the school’s ethos and where does it see itself in the future?
5. Check OFSTED reports and independent review websites like “The Good Schools Guide” and “School Guide”.
6. Check secondary school league tables for the school’s ranking for quality of teaching and overall results in GCSEs.

Grammar school open days:
1. Attending as many open days with your child should give you more insight into how the school operates, what a typical school day is like and helps your child to get a feel for the place.
2. Check the school grounds, facilities and activities on offer.
3. Meet pupils, teaching staff and if possible, the headteacher.

Discussion with your child:
1. This is the most important part in deciding a grammar school. The more you’ll be able to judge what school might be the best fit for your child.

Some things that you may want to consider with your child include:
1. Your child’s first impressions of the school and how your child found the teaching staff and pupils.
2. The distance to the school from home and how they will travel to school.
3. Your child’s academic strengths, weaknesses and social skills.  

Remember this advice:
When discussing the options with your child, try to determine the reasons why they prefer one school over another. Listen to them and try to keep your opinions to yourself to begin with, so as not to influence them one way or another. Children may choose schools for fickle reasons, such as who else is going from their school. Despite this, disagreeing with your child too early can make them all the more determined to stick to their decision.

"A child without education is like a bird without wings"

August 21, 2019               

Private tuition is a growing trend among school students in London.The Sutton Trust has documented a huge rise in private tuition in recent years. Its annual survey of secondary students in England and Wales revealed in July that 27% have had home or private tuition, a figure that rises to 41% in London. According to the Guardian, it is a “booming industry”. Yet there are many myths surrounding private tuitions; that it is not necessary, it exacerbates social inequality, that it is a waste of money, etc. Every parent wants the best for their child, so what are the advantages of private tuition?

1. CUSTOMISED LESSONS

One of the main advantages of private tuition is that lessons can be customised to suit each child.  Whilst in a school classroom students may be at a disadvantage, if they work at a different pace to the rest of the class, or struggle to grasp a specific aspect of the course, private tuition can hone in on these individual challenges.  Working with small groups or individually a tutor can adjust the pace, focus and goals of a lesson depending on the needs and abilities of the student, achieving maximum learning efficiency.

2. CHOOSE THE RIGHT INSTRUCTOR

Students will answer better to a teacher that is suited to them, in terms of both temperament and learning style.  As there is such a wide range of teachers available, each with their own strengths, specialties and teaching styles, there is bound to be a teacher that is well suited to the needs of each student. Having one to one lessons can be great for the development of children’s character, they learn how to interact with adults and express themselves in a way that they wouldn’t when they are one of thirty in a large school classroom. Often, the enthusiasm that a tutor has for their subject is shared with the student and they become far more motivated to do well in their studies.

3. INCREASED SELF-CONFIDENCE

The teacher-student dynamic is stronger than would otherwise be possible in a large class.  The impression that this can have on a student is profound, as instructors can get to know their students well. Often pupils who are shy in classrooms surrounded by their peers, become far more engaged in a learning atmosphere with fewer students. I remember one boy in particular, who was underperforming in school and reluctant to do work set by his parents. I saw him for four hours a week, and we were working on his 11+ entrance exam, that was the target, but I got him into reading and he was enthralled.

4. ASSISTANCE WITH HOMEWORK AND TEST PRACTICE

Homework can often be dull and discouraging for students.  Having a teacher who is able to keep the student focused and interested will ensure that the assignment is not only completed to a higher standard, but, more significantly, is more effective in terms of what a student is able to gain from it. When given the right guidance, most children naturally enjoy learning, it is simply a matter of engaging with the child and showing them what they can achieve.

5. THOUGHT-PROVOKING MATERIALS AND FORM OF STUDY

School lessons can often be quite inflexible in their learning style, as they often have actual set goals and a strong reliance on textbooks.  Private classes typically have a less formal approach and so are more flexible as an outcome.  This leaves tutors free to use whichever materials and learning styles which they believe most beneficial.  Thus, a pupil will often be faced with materials that they would not encounter on the school curriculum.  In our lessons we always aim to push the student’s boundaries and providing them with material that will ignite their interests.

6. FLEXIBLE AND CONVENIENT

As a mode of teaching, private tutoring is always flexible.  Tutors will often be able come to you, which saves a lot of time for both students and parents in regards to travel.  Organising an appropriate timetable is easily achievable, permitting sessions to be structured around institute or other extra-curricular activities.  With the rise and growth of online tutoring lessons can be arranged where and when you want.

We encourage you to supplement your child’s schooling with private tuition. It is a valuable opportunity to ensure your children achieve the best that they can in their 11 + and GCSE exams.We provide each student with additional learning materials, with lessons focused on their needs and with tutors that are able to bring out their natural enthusiasm for learning. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, the fine-tuning and motivation that a tutor can provide is invaluable. School students need to know what they are capable of achieving, and there is no better way than having a tutor who is able to adjust their style to the individual needs of the student.