Thursday 21 May 2015

An A to Z of tips and questions for #parents, when choosing or visiting a potential #school.

Whatever age and stage of education your child has reached, planning their next school can be a confusing and sometimes even daunting process. Dodging the minefield of gossip at dinner parties can be tricky, not to mention handling passionate advice from family members who are keen to relate their own experiences. Below are a few tips from our education consultant team, gathered through years of experience supporting parents with their future school choices. Whatever your dilemma or concern, chances are we have heard it before and can offer an independent perspective on how to move forward in the best interests of your child as an individual.

Academic level of the school MUST match that of your child. It should present them with challenge to aim high, but be realistic.

Boarding school pros and cons. It’s important to understand 21st Century boarding rather than thinking boarding is still as it may have once been when you were at school.

Curriculum strengths differ on a school by school basis. For example in areas such as Science, Sport, Music, Drama, Art. These need to match those of your child so they will feel engaged and inspired.

Dyslexia or other learning support. Does the school use teaching methods and styles to suit the individual child’s needs?

Extra-curricular opportunities which will match the talents and interests of your child. Inspiring your child to try new things is an important part of an all-round education.

Full-boarding should have a 7 day a week programme, particularly if you live overseas.

Guardianship policy. Does this give you the reassurance that someone is looking out for your child while you are overseas?

Head’s philosophy of education and strong leadership is important. Do the school ethos and values match yours?

Information technology should be noticeable on a tour around the school. Is it gathering dust or is it being used creatively to compliment work in the classroom?

Keep your options open with the range of schools you short-list. On the other hand, try not to visit too many or you will get confused.

Location in relation to home must make school runs practical if day school is your preference. Does the school have lessons and sport on a Saturday and how will this integrate with your family life at home? If your child is boarding, would they prefer a rural countryside campus or perhaps a school located in a town or city? Do you need to be close to airports or train links?

Meet the Head when you visit and ideally try to go on a normal school day when you can see the school in action rather, than when it is on show, perhaps on an Open day.

Nurturing self confidence and self-esteem vs. a more competitive, driven environment. Your child’s personality must suit the environment for them to thrive.

Option blocks for subject choices at GCSE and in the sixth form. Are some subjects compulsory?

Parent portal on the website. Does this provide easy access to information about your child and what is happening at school day-to-day, to enable you to  monitor their progress whilst at school, especially if you live overseas.

Qualifications offered for example 11+ CE, GCSE, IGCSE, A Levels, IB, EPQ. PreU

Reporting, evaluation of effort and progress. How does the school ensure parents are kept informed?

Single sex vs. Co-ed and which suits your child?

Teachers’ specialisms and classroom ‘feel’ and atmosphere. Does the school appear traditional or present a more in-formal approach to learning?

Uniform policy, colour and style. Is this worn in both the lower school and sixth form?

Visit the schools at least two years before the September of entry. Places can fill up quickly, so allow enough time to meet the criteria of what can sometimes be a lengthy and competitive admissions process.

Wifi and the use of ipads, laptops and smartphones. Technology is now a crucial part of education for the future.

‘EX’eat and weekend policy in boarding schools - how often will your child be permitted to come home and if you live overseas how often will they need to stay with their guardian?

Your gut feeling about which is the right school is the one that matters. Try to put aside dinner party banter, family input and tradition or league tables. None of these consider schools from the individual perspective of your child.

‘Zeek’ advice from your current school Head, Housemaster or tutor. They know you and your child well so can suggest schools which match your academic aspirations, as well as the skills and interests of your child.

Do you need advice with choosing the right school? Our team of education consultants can help.

Visit our website for more information by clicking the link below.

Here is what our clients say about us:

“I have been singing your praises to anyone who would listen and will happily spread the word. I wanted you to know that through all the oscillation, deliberation and concern, my husband and I have gone back to your crystal clear words of wisdom. It helped so much coming from someone with intelligence and experience on this confounding subject and has helped us take this giant leap of faith. Thank you. I believe we are finally on right path for our daughter.”

Call Claire on 01865 522066 or email consultants@independenteducationconsultants.co.uk


Wednesday 20 May 2015

The A to Z of #parents' #education decisions, along the timeline of UK #school life

Throughout the school life of a child, their parents are faced with a multitude of decisions, challenges and un-expected outcomes. Our team of professional consultants has experience across all areas of education. 

Here is an A to Z of how we can help

A is for A LEVELS VS IB AND FINDING THE RIGHT ACADEMIC OPTION
B for BOARDING SCHOOL CHOICES AND WHY BOARD AT ALL?
C is for CV, CAREER PLANNING AND UCAS CLEARING IN AUGUST
D for DYSLEXIA SUPPORT
E for ELEVEN PLUS AND ADVICE AFTER EXPULSION
F is for FINDING THE RIGHT SCHOOL FOR THE INDIVIDUAL CHILD
G for GUARDIAN FAMILIES SUPPORTING PARENTS WHO LIVE OVERSEAS
H is for HOMEWORK PLANNING FOR EFFECTIVE HOME-STUDY
I is for INTERVIEW PRACTICE FOR TOP SENIOR SCHOOLS AT 13+ AND SIXTH FORM
J is for JUST GIVE US A CALL TO FIND OUT HOW WE CAN HELP
K is for KNOWLEDGEABLE TEAM OF FRIENDLY CONSULTANT EXPERTS
L is for LEARNING SUPPORT AND ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE
M is for MEDICINE APPLICATIONS FOR TOP UK UNIVERSITY 
N - NO PROBLEM TOO BIG OR SMALL
O is for OPEN DAY VISITS AND ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS
P is for PERSONAL STATEMENT WRITING FOR UCAS
Q is for QUESTIONS ABOUT PREP TO SENIOR SCHOOL TRANSITION AT 13+
R for REVISION COURSES AND RE-TAKES
S is for STUDY SKILLS
T for TUTORS
U is for UCAS APPLICATION AND CHOOSING THE RIGHT UNIVERSITY COURSE
V is for VISIT THIS BLOG EVERY WEEK FOR REGULAR EDUCATION TIPS 
W is for WORK EXPERIENCE PLANNING AND MONITORING
X is for ‘EXPATS’ CHOOSING THE RIGHT UK SCHOOL
Y is for WHY NOT CALL OR EMAIL OUR FRIENDLY TEAM TO FIND OUT MORE?
Z is for ZEN-THE WAY TO ENLIGHTENMENT IN YOUR EDUCATION CHOICES AND DECISIONS.

DO YOU NEED ADVICE WITH YOUR EDUCATION AND SCHOOL CHOICES?

Our team of friendly professional consultants are here to help.
For an informal chat about how we might help you, call Claire Coker on +44 (0)1865 522066

Wednesday 13 May 2015

Top Ten Nutrition Tips for #Exam Success

With exams now well and truly under-way for GCSE and sixth form students, this week's blog has some tips from Jocelyn Peregrine, a nutritional therapist.

Eating and drinking properly can make a massive difference to exam performance and revision effectiveness.  The trick is to have the right food and drink readily at hand and the junk food banished from the house.  Then, to persuade the exam taker to actually consume it!

1. Drink Water
Aim for 1.5-2 litres of water a day, NOT fizzy drinks or energy drinks.  Being properly hydrated can increased performance by up to 20%.  If plain water is deemed too "boring", then try adding fresh lemon or lime juice, mint, cucumber or even ginger.  If fizzy is essential, then sparkling water is OK.

2. Keep sugar to a minimum
Students need a slow, even release of energy to keep their brains working at optimal levels.  Sugar provides a fast release of glucose into the blood stream that acts like rocket fuel - energy off the scale for about half and hour and then a slump, when the brain slows down and the body craves more sugar, distracting from studies.
Watch for hidden sugar in breakfast cereals, supposedly healthy nutri bars, fruit juices, white bread, white pasta etc.

3. Eat breakfast!
This is especially important for exam days when snacks won't be available in the exam room.  However, revision days still need this too. A protein rich breakfast is ideal as it should provide a slow release of energy for three or four hours e.g. Eggs on wholemeal toast, porridge or muesli with ground nuts and fresh fruit, wholemeal toast with nut butter, or yoghurt with fruit, nuts and seeds. 

4. Protein with every meal
Ensure students get some protein with each meal and snack, not only breakfast.  There's always the revision for the next exam that's going to need energy and brain power.  Remember rich protein sources  includes meat, poultry, eggs, dairy products, chickpeas, kidney beans and other legumes, homous, nuts, seeds tofu and miso.

5.  Vegetables  - loads!
Vegetables and fruit provide the majority of the vitamins and minerals we all need in order for our bodies to work at their best.  This includes energy production, nervous systems, and brain power, to name a few.  Aim to eat the full rainbow of colours every day, preferably with at least 3 green leafy vegetables as part of a 7+ portions a day.  Ideally you want the ratio to be 2 veg to 1 fruit portion.  Try green smoothies, which are a great way to pack in loads of veg (and a bit of fruit) into a drink.

6. Snacks - yes, definitely!
Again, keep the energy up with a good snack that will keep the energy going, such as a piece of fruit with a small handful of nuts, hard boiled eggs, nut butter sandwich (wholemeal), homemade flapjacks, nuts and seeds, smoothies.

7.  Magnesium - the de-stressor
The mineral magnesium is nature's de-stressor and relaxant.  So, it would be great to have as much as possible to try to avoid the pre-exam meltdowns.  Best sources include green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, fish, legumes, avocados, bananas, yoghurt, dark chocolate.
Epsom salt baths (magnesium sulphate) is also a great way to absorb it.  Two hands full in a hot bath last thing before bed helps provide a good sleep.

8. Regular breaks
The brain works best in chunks of less than an hour, so a five minute break every hour or so is ideal.  Trick is to ensure it is only five minutes and doesn't become a prolonged computer game session!  Try to ensure once or twice a day students get some fresh air....getting outside, preferably exercising, can invigorate them with renewed energy and focus.  Exercise will increase circulation and release endorphins (brain's feel good chemicals).

9.  Deep Breathing
Essential at that moment of turning over the exam paper, but if done regularly throughout the day can help keep students release tension, stay calmer and provide a better supply of oxygen to the brain for clarity of thinking.  In brief, breathe in (filling your belly) for the count of 5, hold for 3, release for 5.

10. Sleep
Absolutely essential!  This is when the brain processes and assimilates all the work that has been learnt during the day.  Teenagers ideally need ten hours.....a tall order, I realise, especially if there is late night revision going on.  Encourage maximum possible and try to ensure bedrooms are electronics free at night.....that means, no phones, no tablets, no PCs and no TVs.  Not only does the distraction harm their sleep, so does the radiation.

Good luck to students and parents alike!

Jocelyn Peregrine
Nutritional Therapist
BSC ( Hons)  Dip (NT)  BANT  CNHC
07966 240064