A-level
Will the new GCSE of grades 9 to 1 lead to new Elitism?
An article in the TES (The Times Educational Supplements – a magazine widely read by teachers) recently carried the headline “Why GCSE Reform may lead to a new ‘elitism’. The article raised concern felt in some quarters about the newly introduced numerical grading of 9-1 by OFQUAL (The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation –…
Read MoreZen and the Art of Social Media
A new sub-species has just been discovered on Earth…..Homo sapiens facebookensis. This creature looks for all intents and purposes like a humanoid, but with a mobile phone (most often a Samsung or an Apple) surgically fused to their hand. If for any reason, the phone is separated from the rest of the body, Homo sapiens…
Read MoreLearning Light Bulb – Revision Advice for Parents: How to Support your Teenager’s Revision
With GCSE and A-Level exams approaching successful revision techniques become even more paramount. Huge proportions of students have not been taught how to revise effectively and are unaware of the strategies that will help them to succeed. Action points that will support your teenager include the following: Establishing your Teenager’s Learning Style Learning styles are…
Read MoreThe culture of low expectation in schools; are teachers too tolerant of bad behaviour?
The standard of behaviour by young people is so bad such that what is acceptable as the norm is well below the level that will create an environment conducive to learning. Some may want to argue that: how come the examinations results are getting better and more people are achieving A and double A* –…
Read MoreCan I afford private tuition for my child?
When considering whether to get private tuition for their child, one of the questions that many parents face is: “can I afford private tuition?” It is the case that most children, whilst going up through the education system have received some sort of private tuition at some point in their lives. It could be for…
Read MoreNo more A-level exams in January – should young people relax?
Up until the previous academic year, A-level (AS and A2) exams were taken in January as well as in May and June. The government has now abolished the January exams as they regard it as one of the causes of grade inflation. Another reason is that many see the idea of a student being allowed…
Read MoreAre GCSE grades C good enough?
It really amazes me to see how so many young people are achieving GCSE grades that are below what they are capable of. Yes, there has been a gradual improvement in the number of students who achieve at least five grades A* to C and also at A level passes. The reality is that too…
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