We all know how we feel when we haven't had enough sleep - whether we've been out having fun or up in the night with poorly or restless kids, the effects are the same. We're really not on top of our game the next day.
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Learning
Science and maths. They're a bit boring, aren't they? Oh, and they're quite hard. And they're just for geeks.
No, no and no! Science and maths are none of those things and, in the future, they're likely to be where the money is. There is currently a shortage of STEM (science, technology and maths) graduates out there, with demand outstripping supply. So while most graduates struggle to find work after university, or find jobs paying pitiful wages, salaries in STEM are on the up.
Economy
With the UK already lagging behind China and India in producing engineering graduates, ultimately our shortage of STEM graduates could lead to the UK losing out in the global economy. Yes, it really is that serious. Students turning away from a subject at GCSE or A Level because it's 'boring' could have a huge impact on all of us.
And for young people that don't fancy university, there's demand for people with A Levels in STEM subjects too. There's growing concern among employers about the number of students opting out of science altogether at GCSE and underachieveing in maths. So qualifications in science and maths are invaluable right now and will improve your career prospects, whatever level you reach.
GCSEs
If we've got you thinking that STEM subjects might be worth studying, you need to start off with good GCSEs in maths and sciences. An A Level in maths is then essential to get you onto a STEM degree course.
Still think they're hard? Still think they're boring? Still think they're for geeks?
Funny you should say that, because we're really good at helping students achieve their full potential in both maths and sciences. Many people believe you're either good at maths or you're not, but we don't agree! With the right tutor, maths is a subject anyone can conquer, and we've seen plenty of students surprise themselves with what they can do. Science should be fun, and we guarantee our science tutors will make chemistry, biology and physics as fascinating as possible. Our tuition is tailored to your exact needs, so we'll make sure you get the very best out of maths and science to make the grade you need.
If you'd like to know more about how we can help you with maths and science, give us a call on 01858 46 26 48.
Who are successful learners? Is it just the 'clever kids' who do well at school and in exams?
The good news is, it doesn't have to be. Successful learners aren't just those who are academic and the skills needed to be a successful learner aren't rocket science. They're skills many of us already have and can easily work on to improve.
Trying hard is half the battle!
Effort
- It seems obvious, but the first thing you need is effort. You get out what you put in, and if you're doing extra away from the classroom, you are likely to do better in the end.
- Next up is staying focused and on-task. Whether you're in the classroom or working at home, don't get distracted by other people and things happening around you.
- If you're a budding footballer or guitarist, you will practice and work on your skills. So too you need to work on your skills for learning - maybe your note-taking could be improved or you need to sharpen up your listening skills.
- Get involved! If you actively participate in your own learning - asking and answering questions in class and even helping others around you - the messages will be reinforced and you will retain information much better.
- Attendance! It makes sense, but you need to turn up to class, on time, to make sure you don't miss anything. If you skip half a day every week, you're missing 10% of your education. A two-week holiday in term time would mean you missing 5% of that year's work.
- Believe in yourself! If you think you can do it and see yourself in a positive light, you will reach your goals (although, beware, the goals should be achievable - over-confidence can be just as damaging as not believing in yourself).
- Persistence! The best learners are the resilient ones who don't give up, even when things get tough. If they make a mistake, they pick themselves up, dust themselves off and try again until they get it right.
- A love of learning! If you see learning as a chore, a punishment or just plain boring, it will be harder to get the best out of your education. People who enjoy the journey, and the rewards of finishing a piece of work or passing an exam, will be more successful learners.
Don't panic!
If your child has all of these attributes, well done to them! They will make a real success of their education and achieve to the very best of their abilities. But if not, don't panic!
Here at INICIO we work closely with your child in a way that suits them. Our environment is relaxed and homely and we tailor our teaching to your child's individual needs. Together we can help your child to love learning and build on these essential secrets of successful learning.
What is the summertime slump? Does it exist? How can you avoid it? Should you even avoid it?
Six week break
Six weeks away from school! Six weeks without books or lessons, six weeks without homework and marking. Do they affect children? Of course they do. All teachers are aware of the summertime slump and the way it affects kids as they move into their new school year. For younger children, moving into year 1 or year 2, missing out on six weeks of school is a massive chunk of their school career. It's not unusual for them to take until October half-term just to get back to where they were at the end of the last school year.
Opinion is divided as to whether the summertime slump matters. Because if it affects everyone, surely it doesn't? But, like many things in education, it doesn't affect everyone equally. Rightly or wrongly, some parents will continue to push their children hard to keep learning throughout the holidays. Other families will take their foot firmly off the pedal - and it will be those children that fall behind in September.
There have been calls to make the summer holidays shorter to reduce the effect of the summertime slump, but that opens up a whole can of worms around pricing and availability of holidays. The likelihood is that this isn't going to happen any time soon, so it's up to you, as parents, to decide what's right for your family.
Keep up the good work!
Here at INICIO, we say why not take the middle ground? Don't turn off education completely, but don't push too hard. After all, the summer holidays are supposed to be time to take a break and recharge the batteries. At INICIO, we're open all year round and would encourage families to keep up with their weekly lesson of an hour and 20 minutes to halt the slump.
You can also encourage your children to keep reading - buy some new books or go to the library (many libraries do the Summer Reading Challenge for 4-11 year olds - great for getting kids enthused by books). Whether you're off on holiday or staying at home, encourage them to look at the world around them - and if they spot anything new, let them look it up on the internet and find out more. Does your school use online tools like Bug Club for reading or Mathletics for maths? Many children find these as much fun as games, but they are learning as they play. Why not encourage them to play a few times over the holidays?
Puzzle books, magazines, online games and even the right sort of television can all help towards learning. The holidays are also a great time to practise sport; a fit and healthy body helps with a fit and healthy mind.
Enjoy the break, but enjoy a bit of learning too. Happy holidays!
Although revising for your exams can be one of the most stressful times of the year, there are several things you can do to help you relax and prepare. By taking a bit of time to do these things, you are giving yourself the possible chance of getting the grades you feel you deserve. Tips range from understanding how the testing process works, through structuring your revision time properly to following good revision techniques.
Test papers
One thing that really helps is to recreate the exam experience as closely as possible before the big day. Take a look at past papers to see the sort of questions that have been asked in previous years. Then take a practice exam under testing conditions, with the appropriate time limit and have somebody else provide you with feedback afterwards.
When and where should you revise? While revising, it's good to focus on the material for about 25 minutes at a time before taking at least a five minute break. This allows your concentration to remain at a high level for longer periods of time. If you have set aside a whole day for revision, make sure you also include longer 30 to 60 minute breaks.
Most people (yes, even teenagers!) tend to be more alert in the morning, so it is important to include mornings in your revision schedule whenever possible.
It also helps to be somewhere you can focus without interruption. You know what works best for you; it might be your bedroom or a library, but it could be Starbucks. Unplugging your laptop (unless you're using it for your revision of course!) and turning off your phone is vital.
Take a break
Want to get your brain working at its absolute optimum? Physical exercise helps your brain work at higher levels, as it provides it with more oxygen. Exercise is also great for relaxing and reducing stress. Taking a break in the middle of a day-long revision period to go on a run or walk will help you to re-energize for your afternoon session.
There are several things you can do whilst revising to help the information stick.
Many students use revision cards. Some use colours to differentiate the questions and answers by category. Using questions and answers instead of simple notes helps you to remember the material, as you are thinking about it actively, rather than just passively reading and hoping that the information will go in.
Although revising for exams can be stressful, we think taking advantage of these suggestions will ease the tension a little bit and help you to perform at your very best when exam day arrives.
For more advice from INICIO on revision techniques, to book a session, or to take a tour of our learning centre, speak to one of our dedicated tutors on 01858 46 26 48. We have specialists in English, Maths, Science and many other subjects, providing exclusive private tuition for students in Leicestershire from our Market Harborough tuition centre.