A-level
Almost 40% of degree courses are offered unconditionally – what a scandal
I could not believe my eyes when I read in yesterday’s Sunday Times that 40% of universities degree courses are offered unconditionally. This means students can come and study on that course regardless of the grade they obtain at A-level. It was also reported in that newspaper that the entry requirement for Medicine is now…
Read MoreFailure to plan for A-level or GCSE Exams is a plan to Fail
I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase several times that “Failure to plan is a plan to fail.” This very much applies to teenagers as many of them face what is, perhaps, the most important test in their lives to far – the summer examinations. Hard work is important and most young people are working hard…
Read MoreArt and Music versus STEM subjects, McJobs …
On the Radio 4 programme that I mentioned in the first part of this blog post article, some of the panellists, in my view, wrongly blamed the introduction of the EBacc as the reason why there is a decline in the number of young people who are taking Art and Music at GCSE; in fact,…
Read MoreA little helping hand for teenagers during exam time
The purpose of my message is to offer a little helping hand, in terms of sharing thoughts with you as a parent. Although I’m also a teacher, I will be speaking more from a parent’s point of view but also using some of the lessons that I’ve learnt as a teacher and curriculum manager in…
Read MoreWith all the sacrifices, is A-level worth its weight in gold?
For young people who are taking A-level in the summer, the importance of the next four or so months cannot be overemphasised. The discipline and the focus that has to be assigned to cope with rigour and the academic demand of the A-level, though, is worth its weight in gold. It is common knowledge that…
Read MoreTaking back control of technology
Final thoughts: Taking back control of technology Whilst I embrace technology and appreciate its importance as a vital learning tool; I also think there are aspects of the traditional learning experience that is irreplaceable. One main one is day to day interaction with printed text – usually books, which I can touch, feel and smell.…
Read MoreIs technology the problem, or the user of it and how they use it?
Like any good thing in life, it is not usually the technology itself but how people choose to use it. I have about 5 smart phone and tablets – iPhones, iPad and Samsung for my personal use and I use about three to four of them every day. Does it mean that I spend a…
Read MoreThe ‘Gromps’ have it! – Grammar Comprehensive Schools are head and shoulders above the rest
A new word, ‘gromp’, has just been introduced into the school vocabulary. Gromp stands for ‘Grammar Comprehensive’ – meaning comprehensive schools with the ethos of grammar schools. It was reported in the TES – Times Educational Supplements on Sunday of 20th August that the New Schools Network had conducted a survey which reveals that pupils…
Read MoreAS exam results – look forward to next year with optimism!
If you have just received your AS level result, take stock and reflect on your achievements. Be aware of what lies ahead, as it is important for you to appreciate the importance of A-level. If you can help it, do your best to include the most useful A-level subjects in your choice of the subjects…
Read MoreAS exam results – look forward to next year with optimism!
If you have just received your AS level result, take stock and reflect on your achievements. Be aware of what lies ahead, as it is important for you to appreciate the importance of A-level. If you can help it, do your best to include the most useful A-level subjects in your choice of the subjects…
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