"Burden or Blessing?"

November 07, 2019               

A burden is identified as a heavy load; something that weighs you down. A blessing is defined as a beneficial thing for which one is grateful. Education is often looked at in a negative light – it is seen as a chore, a form of childhood enforcement, but most importantly, a burden of sorts. I believe this view point needs to change.

Education is not defined by what level you received in your SATS, how many GCSE’s you obtained, how many A-Levels you took, what degree you studied and where and how much your current salary is. That is not education – that is the education system.

Education is ‘the process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, beliefs, and habits.’

Education is learning how to speak to new people – how to adapt your speech, body language and demeanour when speaking to different age and ability groups. It is knowing what vocabulary to execute, how to present yourself professionally, how to question, respond and communicate efficiently.

Education is obtaining new information, and no, this does not mean memorising every inch of the periodic table or knowing every mathematical equation that has emerged across the decades. This does not mean having the ability to translate every language across the world or being fit enough to run over 8 metres non-stop. It is simply the process of learning something new – did you know that if eaten in one meal, 30 to 90 grams of polar bear liver is enough to kill a human being? Or that there are more life forms living on your skin than there are people on the planet? You have just learnt something new, and that is what Education is.

Education is gaining a new skill, something that your mind and body are yet to have practiced. This could be something as small as learning how to operate machinery, exercising a new filing and organising routine or even picking up a different method of completing tasks – it could be expanding to new forms of teamwork, adopting a new approach to problem solving, executing efficient negotiations or even arising to leadership roles.

Education is the enhancement of your mindset – it is learning to open all the closed doors your mind has constructed against values, beliefs, explanations, reasons, problems, people and anything else that may evoke debate. It is persuading your mind and attitude to consider a new way of thinking and living, as well as adopting an openness to being understanding.

Education is all of these things and more – it is a form of growth. It is a blessing that not many people have had the opportunity to acquire; there are those in the world who do not know a hundredth of the knowledge that we so blindly call a ‘burden.’ It is our ticket to evolving, developing and becoming a better version of ourselves, for our future and for the ones to come after us.

Now I ask you, how can that be a burden??

"Maths Is Our Way Of Life!!"

October 16, 2019               

Maths is a worldwide subject studied by all and used in our everyday lives from the moment we wake up till the moment we are sleeping. During my years in school, I believed maths was useless and we don’t need it nor will we ever use it once we leave school. Having also questioned such topics in Maths such as “we don’t need to know algebra how will that help us in life?” or “even we aren’t going to find the probability of our favourite song playing in our music playlist?” This is true no one will sit and try to find the probability of their favourite song, however we can see that our music playlist requires maths if we want to know how long our song will play or when our next one will come.

Many of the things we do is based on Maths, we may not even realise this. Maths is our way of life we use it to read time, travelling; making sure we get to our required location on time. Many careers are based on maths, if you go into business, finance, engineering or computer science all of it contains numerical reasoning. Mathematics helps us have better problem-solving skills. Math helps us think analytically and have better reasoning abilities.

Analytical thinking refers to the ability to think critically about the world around us. Maths opens our doors to the future, technology helps in acquiring a digital future however technology is only there due to mathematics. All technology has encryptions which require mathematics and algebra. Without Maths we would not be able to move into the future.

"My journey into Education"

October 12, 2019               

Education: an ocean of swimmers, each individual swimming at their own pace in order to reach the same goal -land, of physicians and doctors, pilots and engineers, architects and artists, teachers and social workers and many, many more careers.

My own journey began at a young age, my first dip into education igniting from my passion of English. From reading books that range from Elizabethan era, supernatural and dystopian literature, to writing pieces of fantasy poems and young adult novels, English has always been my drive to not only remain in the education ocean but to keep swimming. And how did I do this? Teaching.

As soon as I had the opportunity to work; I seized it. From a young age of 17 I have been working at a variety of different tuition centres, each unique in their methologies of teaching, developing and encouraging. From staff made text books, tailored work booklets and the usage of the best subject resources globally, I was able to enhance and practice my own effective way of teaching, ensuring that I always delivered results.

This passion for answering a person’s question that people had failed to answer before, or to teach and explain a new, perhaps more simpler or personal method that others had failed to execute in order to clear out the fog of confusion within people’s minds, is ultimately what kept driving my passion to enter Education. The satisfaction, and overwhelming warmth that comes with knowing that you helped someone in their journey and aided their understanding in something is indefeatable.

So for all those swimming in their own waters of education, no matter how rough those waters get or how much you feel like you’re drowning, don’t give up. Swim at your own pace and tackle those waves the way you know how to, and I promise you, you will reach land.

"Mobile phones should be banned in schools"

September 25, 2019               

Parents are concerned about their child's education but smartphone usage is rapidly increasing. The UK parents wants to stop using Mobile phones in school or education centre. Recently survey report published in price comparison site Uswitch suggestions. Under half of UK parents about 46% want smartphones to be banned in educational institutions.

Last year, the culture secretary Matt Hancock said he admired that school had reinforced to ban mobile phones. However, some have argued that gadgets are important for children's learning process. If these electronic devices are banned it may effect students learning. Furthermore, Uswitch estimated that the value of all gadgets taken from the schools 2019 will reach £2.3 bn. About 43% of children having newer mobile models then their parents. Total adults are spending £13 bn on their smartphones every year. On the other hand, it is understandable that parents are concerned about their child's education. An expert in Uswitch said " Ban smartphones is not a permanent solution".

In addition, parents’ peace of mind would also be affected. Parents would be able to contact their children in any kind of emergency. Not everyone agrees with this approach. Some argue that the world's full of gadgets and children should know how to tackle with new technology. Paul Howard-Jones, a professor of neuroscience and education at the University of Bristol said that: "If school and education is about preparing us for that world, then learning how to use your mobile phone - when it's appropriate, when it's not appropriate, is a very important part of that." Parent's concerns about their child's education are valid but the other side of the argument is that these gadgets should be for educational purposes. Educational institutions ensure that other social or distracting websites should be banned in educational centre.

"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.