Tips On How To Choose The Right Tutor

A revamp of the Bucks 11+ for 2014 grammar entry seems to have created heightened worry amongst some parents. Demand for information about tutoring shows little sign of decreasing. In a seemingly unregulated market place, just how does a parent evaluate a potential tutor to make sure that their money is invested wisely?

Although everyone is in the dark about the new format tests for Bucks, it is essential to engage a tutor with some experience in this area, as well as one with a proven success record. Likewise, regarding support for Common Entrance, GCSE, A level, IB or Oxbridge. Some of the questions below may be helpful in reviewing potential tutor options.

Does your child appear to engage better with male or female teachers? Do the resources the tutor proposes to use fit with your objectives? Will your child spend most of their time sitting practice papers, or will learning time be fun and interesting? Will their tutoring style and personality inspire and enthuse?

Arrange a trial session before booking long-term and assess its quality by popping in once in a while.

Be wary of published success rates. Some tutors ‘select’ only the best candidates to teach.  Ask to see evidence of a recent enhanced CRB and review references from parents who have used their services recently. 

If using a tutoring centre, (such as www.flyingstarttuition.co.uk) this can be a good way to ensure a more consistent, accountable service. Enquire which tutor will teach your child and insist this will this always be the same one, so that they get to know your child. 

Centres tend to offer intensive courses during school holidays, which may suit some children better than weekly tuition over time and limit some of the pressure they feel to succeed.

For FREE advice on choosing the right school REGISTER to attend the FUTURE SCHOOLS FAIR on 21st September 2013. 

More information www.futureschoolsfair.com                                                       

Preparing for A Level results day now could make a real difference if things don’t go according to plan in August.

We are mid-exam season. Students are heads down focussing on last-minute revision towards those all-important A Level grades which hold the key to their future. It is tempting to see the summer months ahead as a time to relax and travel the world. A positive view towards results day is beneficial, however I advise having a Plan B, just incase. If things don’t turn out as expected you will need a clear head and swift action if August brings disappointment.

The beaches of Bali are not the best place to be if things go wrong. Plan to be available, preferably at home, on results day.

If you just miss your grades, be ready to call the universities as soon as possible. Prepare what you are going to say in advance to highlight your enthusiasm and suitability for this course. You may also need to be ready to negotiate a re-mark with your school if you feel your grade is unfair or unexpected.

Clearing will present new opportunities. Spend some time reviewing alternative courses now, so you will be ready to act fast when available places are published on results day. A quick decision will be expected, if a place is offered. Consider visiting back-up universities, so you would feel ready to accept on the spot. The course you choose must be interesting and support your career aspirations. Seeking advice from an expert will help and saves time.

If your grades can realistically be improved and you are passionate about a particular university or course, resits are the third option to consider. This is a tough route to take and needs motivation. You will need to wait a whole year to re-sit, during which time universities will want to see you used this time constructively.

For advice on choosing the right university course through Clearing or UCAS and how this fits with planning your future career, contact us.

http://independenteducationconsultants.co.uk/applying-to-uk-university/

How do you choose a university course which lives up to your expectations and suits your interests, attributes and career aspirations?

58% of university students feel their course has not lived up to expectations, while a third say they would like to have changed course, according to the recent Higher Education Policy Institute report in conjunction with Which?

With this in mind, how can sixth formers evaluate potential universities and courses, before making UCAS applications, to have the best chance of their study experience matching up to expectations?

With universities holding Open Days at this time of year, teenagers should use this time wisely. They are an opportunity to get to know the university and the course.  A check list of questions to ask current students, as well as lecturers and tutors, will ensure you leave with an all-round view. 

For your chosen course, what is the contact teaching time each week and how does the system of tutorials work? How is the course structured and what content is covered in each module? How is the course assessed – how much is project work as opposed to exams? 

Many students find out after they have started the course that it contains for example too much maths, chemistry, sociology or psychology for their personal interest or aptitudes or with only 10 hours teaching contact time a week, they feel a bit at a loss as to how to plan their studies independently. Getting this right can be a crucial part of enjoying your time at university and being successful.

Is there an opportunity to spend time in industry or support in securing relevant work experience or internships, building links with future employers? What percentage of last year’s graduates gained employment on leaving the course and what types of career have they gone into. What careers advice is available to students and do they assist with CV writing and interview coaching?

What facilities does the university have? What are the university dining arrangements if cooking is not your strength? What is the accommodation like and what is the policy for accommodating first year students? If this is your first time away from home it is far better to be allocated a room in a hall of residence where you will meet lots of other Fresher’s.


What is the atmosphere like? Does the city centre have an active student scene? You will be living there for at least 3 years so it is important to make sure that you like the location and will feel at home there. Campus style universities and those that are collegiate, located round about town have a very different feel and it is important that you feel at home in the environment you choose.

How do students travel to and from lectures? Are there good bus routes and is there secure ‘parking’ for bikes? Think twice about taking a car to university, at least in the first year. Parking can often be difficult and cars are very expensive to run.

For advice on choosing the right university course and career planning contact our team of education consultant experts for an informal chat.

http://independenteducationconsultants.co.uk/contact-us-2/

Are cultural understanding and communication skills key to future career success?

The sudden departure of one of our staff this week was a stark reminder of the importance of developing cultural understanding amongst school-age youngsters, preparing them for a successful future business career.  

The working world is now international. Empathy for the etiquette of doing business with different nationalities and cultural or social backgrounds is crucial. Inviting children from different cultures home for tea or considering acting as guardian to an international child at a local boarding school are great ways for parents to instil tolerance and understanding of culture within their youngsters at home. More details www.guardianfamily.co.uk

With the uptake of languages at GCSE and A Level in decline, are we expecting our global business partners of the future to speak English, hoping other countries place languages higher on their curriculum priorities than we do? Many schools now offer Mandarin, Japanese or Russian. Smart subject choices could make a far more attractive CV in the future.

Communication skills are fundamental to career success. With social media and technology, it is easier than ever to keep in touch, but sadly this seems to have replaced talking to one another. Are we raising a generation who will lack the capability to initiate conversation and hence the potential to network and develop successful business relationships? Sending an email or text instead of picking up the phone seems to be the norm. TV dinners and hectic working lives have perhaps seen the demise of the family meal around the kitchen table, losing the art of conversation.

Reliability and trustworthiness are also important. Parents can set their teenagers off on the right path by encouraging them to deliver to deadlines, make curfews on time, commit to engagements and not back out at the last minute, because a better offer comes along.

www.independenteducationconsultants.co.uk

Tips for planning a safe and constructive Gap Year

With stiff competition for top universities and a volatile job market, it seems more important than ever for school leavers intent on taking a gap year break from education, to plan their time carefully. Using this opportunity to enhance their CV and develop new skills is more important than ever. Planning, problem solving, teamwork, cultural awareness and communication skills all have future benefits.

When devising their itinerary, ask what they will learn or achieve, other than a social life and a sun tan! Volunteering in either the UK or abroad brings experiences of other cultures and communities, developing a social conscience or community spirit. Learning a new language will enhance their CV. Time spent working before travelling instils an appreciation of the value of money and hard work, rather than reliance on the bank of mum and dad. If living at home, increase the expectation to contribute as an adult by helping with household jobs and managing their own money.

Parents can be worried by horror stories from popular gap year destinations, or by listening to their naïve teenager talking excitedly about travelling by local bus, motorcycle or camper van.  Good insurance cover gives some reassurance. Keep copies of their itinerary, passport, visa and bank card details incase these are lost or stolen. A good self-defence course, particularly for girls, will be a sensible investment. Research local laws of the countries they are visiting, making them aware of cultural differences, particularly where alcohol or human interaction are concerned.

Agree how and how often you will communicate while they are away, but do remember they will sometimes forget! The trick is to give them the independence to broaden their horizons, but with support mechanisms on stand-by, should anything go awry.

Parents come and meet the schools face-to-face to discuss your school choice decisions at age 11, 13 or 16. A FREE event in Sept 2013. 16 presentations from Heads and senior school staff, giving advice on making the right school choice. More details and to REGISTER for FREE tickets, visit our website


www.futureschoolsfair.com

How do we encourage children to read books for pleasure?

It is an undisputed fact that literacy skills are essential for success in education. Focussing on classics such as CS Lewis, Dickens and Bronte develops an important appreciation of not only ‘great’ literature, but also our cultural heritage. However, does this encourage reading for pleasure and how can we inspire youngsters to read, when there is so much competition for their time, such as social media, gaming and TV?

It is my belief that the first step is to have books, stored in an easily accessible place, as a regular part of their lives from a young age. Both parents should take turns reading with children at bed-time so they see male and female role models who enjoy reading - particularly important for boys. Get them used to reaching for a book when they have a few minutes of downtime, especially just before bed.

It is yet to be proven if reading pages or a screen makes any difference, but it is my view that there is no substitute for the feeling of satisfaction from turning the last page of a good book.

To gain enjoyment from reading, the subject matter is most important. Even if books are about cars, football, ponies or their favourite band member’s autobiography, reading for pleasure must involve a subject of interest. Just as trends in music change, so do the issues faced by youngsters when growing up. When it comes to fiction, associating with the characters in a book, engaging with the story and stimulating the imagination is far more likely if the story recounts feelings or experiences which are familiar to a youngster growing up in 2013.

School librarians are a good place to start for advice on authors and titles which cover more current topics and age appropriate story themes. Good luck!

Parents, why not register for our FREE schools fair in September 2013. Come and meet the schools face-to-face to discuss your child and listen to 16 presentations by local heads and senior staff, giving you advice on choosing the right school for your child at age 11. 13 or 16.

www.futureschoolsfair.com      

Does homework do anything to support a child’s education?

It often amuses me when I hear parents saying we are learning Geography, Maths or French this evening and it makes me wonder if homework really is for the benefit of the children or whether it is just a parental inconvenience.

On a recent visit to a prep school I was intrigued to hear that homework is an important part of delivering their educational objectives, but it is completed during the first lesson of each day, not at home.  Supervised by the teacher who set it, the homework has to have one of two objectives; to practise or consolidate recently acquired knowledge and skills or to encourage the development of investigative skills, research techniques or creative thinking. The teacher is on hand to offer guidance, while encouraging independent learning and problem solving skills. In this way, the school gains a far more accurate picture of each child’s acquired skills and knowledge, since they can be certain that it is the child’s work and not that of supportive parents. Children also develop team working and peer mentoring skills, since they have the opportunity to work together, to complete homework tasks.

With stringent curriculum attainment targets, homework is certainly a way to extend and challenge children’s capabilities outside curriculum boundaries. Much has been written to question whether we are stifling the imagination and creativity of our future inventors and entrepreneurs by offering schools little flexibility within the curriculum. 

Attaining consistently high expectations and standards of educational provision across all schools is a strong argument in support of this strategy. It is my feeling however that creatively set homework tasks, if completed in the right environment, with only essential adult intervention, can lead to the development of important life skills, such as the ability to problem solve and think or work independently.

For information about our services to support parents with choosing the right school and applying to University, visit our websites.

www.independenteducationconsultants.co.uk     

www.futureschoolsfair.com